In a corner office overlooking the better part of town a wide, orange head shook in dismay. Had things really come to this. His large fingers clicked off the T.V., currently showing one old friend menacing another on what should have been a happy occasion.

He sighed as he thought back to sunny days, chasing the clouds away, always on his way to where the air was sweet. But he shook his head, having long forgotten how to get there. Times change. People change. But sound investments are forever.

Pressing the intercom button, he said resignedly, “Hey Janet, have Poulson bring the ‘Rubber Ducky’ around.” He laughed a quick, raspy laugh, as it always tickled him to refer to a Bugati Veyron by such a name, even if it was painted yellow.

“Yes sir. Shall I call home for you?” Ah, home, the very word deepened his recollection. He marveled how things had changed, how home meant such a different thing.

“Yes, Janet. Tell Prairie I’ll be home soon, and give her my love, of course.” How things had changed.