THE SECRET PACT

FOR KENAN, REST was a rare occurrence. His days as President were as full as his election campaign days; there were no gaps, free time or moments for distractions; each day had its own calendar. Only health reasons, if they were urgent or serious enough to jeopardize his career, could interrupt the intense schedule he kept.

After assuming the presidential mandate, his marriage to Devon became more formal than family; they did not lack love, but their commitments overwhelmed them. Not only he, but his wife also had countless daily commitments in places as far away as his.

Devon reached all the audiences that he perhaps could not. Charities, schools, feminist or women's groups, and even humanitarian causes around the world were part of the range of events she attended as First Lady. The phrase:

— These will be difficult years, but very important for us...

It had already become a catchphrase, a commonplace in their conversations, as Kenan always repeated it when they met. She understood, she knew the importance of everything they did and, like him, she was a political person.

For Devon, governing was not a lack of choice because she had become the First Lady, or an obligation of her social position, but also a personal and ethical taste. A beautiful woman, reaching forty years of age, very intelligent and engaged in so many projects that she quickly gained notoriety with the world media. If Kenan was respected, she was loved.

After a long day of many tasks, at dusk, the two were finally able to meet. With all the fuss about the terror and so many tragedies now spreading across the country, they always chose to separate in order to contemplate more events and commitments in different places.

Kenan sat at his desk in the Oval Office, reading the memos Peter had written for the military when Devon arrived. She entered the room and walked over to him, with the calm she always had.

As she approached, she leaned on the edge of the table and kissed him, leaning down to his face.

— Good night, my love — Kenan said, stroking his hair.

— I can finally say this — Devon replied, taking a deep breath. — Good night…

— It's been a tough day, hasn't it?

— I've been wondering what we're going to do after seeing these things happen. Today I was able to meet with some victims of the first attack. Sometimes we think we see everything on a television screen, but nothing can be as shocking as seeing the reality right there, right in front of us.

She closed her eyes, shook her head and sighed sadly:

— Oh, that little girl…

Kenan fell silent. His conspicuous features became sad and anxious, with thoughts jumping in his eyes that betrayed his feelings of guilt. She noticed his sadness and tried to ease his conscience, saying:

— Don't blame yourself, my dear, you can't protect everyone all the time — and looked at him with a charitable look.

— Maybe you can't... — and she turned her gaze to the floor — but I have the obligation to use all possible means to do so.

— Extremes always get in the way. I don't want you to feel incapable either, you are the best for this country, I'm sure of that.

— You're suspicious of speaking, aren't you? — Kenan replied, with a more relieved expression.

— I may be, but I never thought I would make this statement to someone with such certainty as I do to you.

— You are my foundation here — he said, stroking her hand slowly. — You can be as good as a First Lady, and even better as a wife.

She thought for a moment, but spoke again:

— I think this is hurting you, wouldn't it be better to avoid this kind of commitment, my dear?

— Of course not, — she said, sitting down next to him. — Today I was able to show those people that I am truly with them, but deep down, deep down, I think I ended up showing myself who I should be. Seeing those hurt people, those looks... that's how I realized how critical the situation is. I felt scared, my dear, very scared. I came back thinking: What awaits us from now on?

— My dear, — he said, getting up from his desk and walking towards her, as he had sat down on a sofa — this won't continue...

When he arrived, he hugged her gently, resting her head on his chest.

— We are resolving this situation, today I made great progress with the morning meeting. I managed to convince the State body and we are going to officially begin operations to investigate those responsible.

— Kenan, I miss you... — she whispered in his arms, very softly.

— I know... I know... — he replied, compassionate.

— I am, I don't know... I don't know if it's because of all this weather, because of the things I've seen, but I'm feeling alone...

Kenan released her from his arms and bent down, until he was face to face with his wife and then said:

— Here's what we'll do, in three days the important meeting will take place

before the UN Security Council. Right after that, we'll set aside a day just for us. What do you think?

Devon let a brief smile appear on the corner of her mouth, looking into his eyes of easy promises.

— Don't make promises you can't keep, Kenan — she said, holding the small smile, while adjusting her head between Kenan's arms. "That way I'll think twice before voting for you in the next election..." He just laughed a little, but soon remembered the mysterious enemy who had now become more worrying to him than the terror in the country itself. He felt like a cowboy setting up a duel. Either he would knock out his challenger, or it would be over.

After stroking his wife's hair for a while, he simply said:

— I just need to solve one more problem and I'll meet you in bed...

— I guess I'll only see you tomorrow when I wake up... — she said murmuring.

— Just a few minutes, I promise! — then, to provoke her, he whispered in her ear... — Take off those serious clothes, get ready for a hot bath and wait for me, today I'm going to remind you why you married me...

— Ah! I really need to remember, this life is making me forget what it was like!

After a few disdainful laughs, perhaps to provoke him, Devon calmly walked to the exit of the hall, heading to the couple's suite.