Out of favor

Fic, fyi

It wasn't easy. People didn't call. Didn't drop by. Nobody came. For the whole thirteen days.

He was disappointed. They should have understood. It wasn't his fault. He didn't have options. He was ordered. He would have died. Fear is the greatest motivator. Bravery was not his thing. They knew that. He shit his pants as a kid. They should have known.

The business friends should have. Their relationship was transactional. He had paid. And yet. Why did they ignore. Did they need more. Did those fuckers have hearts? So what. He wasn't a criminal. Nobody would arrest him. He was a free man. Why distance themselves away. As if they had a name to protect.

You work hard. Support everyone in the community. Donate to charity. Help build temples. Fund politicians. Employee the poor and old. Hire politician's relatives. It's good manners to repond in kind. Show some heart. These things weren't for money. Money can't love you. Money won't hug you. The community should have backed him. They backed away. He was angry.

For what, why. It could be a conspiracy. His enemies grand plans. He had enemies. Too many to count. To get up, you must step. Heads and hearts, crushed. He hadn't killed. He hadn't raped. It was purely business. Nothing personal. Didn't they see that?

Could they be cajoled? Bribed? Break off the ranks. Threatened. Anybody by his side. He was all alone. The mountain was high. The air was thin. Success was lonely. It shouldn't be. But it was. Why. Why must it be.

Calls. Calls. Calls. Text messages. Social media. Private messages. Be nice. It needed reminding. Easy to lose your temper. Don't scare them away. They are friends. On my side. Hopefully. Bridges would be burned. To the cinder. What's the point otherwise. He needed support. It wasn't there. He had paid. They didn't back. Nothing made sense. He was an honest person. No backstabbing. Gossiping. Nothing like that. Why the punishment then.

A large ad. Thanking his compadres. Full page-2 ad. They would see it. Decide your team, it said. Not literally. But they'd know. With me, or against. He had influence. Money. Allies. What did they have? What was their problem. He was good. Generous. Stood by his words. He would win this. Or die trying. Money was worthless without power.

One ally. And then two. And then a gaggle. Shy at first. Got bolder eventually. Don't fear, he reminded. All is forgiven. Go out publicly. Tell them about me. Just a businessman. Not a monster. I'll fund your non-profits. Judge your dance competitions. Chair your boards. Scratch my back. I'll scratch yours. Or else. Always or else. Because niceness was outdated. The stick was needed.

Finally. Back in the good books. Not respectful yet, but not invisible. Small parties. Gatherings. Art exhibitions. Things looked good.