Gino looked up at the clock - it was 6:45 pm, he was going to be late for supper again.

Knock Knock

“Still here, Gino?” Mazin asked. You know, the work will still be here when you get back in.”

Gino glanced up to see Mazin at the door with his camel overcoat on and messenger bag draped over his shoulder.

Gino smiled - **“I know I know” Gino said, shutting his laptop. “But between Mayoral duties and our time in chambers, this is the only time I get to work. Besides, I’ve got to set the right example for my new Chief of Staff, can’t have you thinking that the boss just goes out to golf all day.”

“I’ve seen your swing - you could use the time out there.” Mazin replied.

Gino laughed - he was right. Golf really wasn’t his forte. For years, he considered it an old man’s sport, one he could always pick up when he was older. At 45, Gino was still playing pickup basketball every Sunday with his college crew, and the gang planned on keeping the tradition alive until they were in nursing homes.

When he got into politics, Gino found just how much business was discussed on the golf course, and how even the tightest of lips could start talking over the course of eighteen holes. So he started taking lessons over at the Lenora club. But a few years and thousands of dollars later, he still had a hitch in his swing that Mazin never failed to nitpick.

“How’s little Noor - she still into space?” Gino asked.

“Not anymore - poor girl. Last week, she refused to go to school saying her stomach hurt. We knew she was lying but wanted to give her the space to tell us what was really going on. One day, Mariam’s on the toilet with her and she cries out saying “mom I don’t want to be an astronaut!”

Mariam assured her that she didn’t have too and the girl looked a boulder was lifted off her shoulders. Not sure what the latest obsession is but will let you know once she’s told us.”

Gino laughed “its natural for kids at that age. My daughter probably had ten different career ideas before she turned ten. But my son? He’s always been set on becoming a Knight of Nekonia. It’s all he ever talked about.”

Gino grabbed his coat and locked up the office. The two men started walking down the hallway through City Hall. City Hall was a ghost town at this hour - most councillors and city admin had left before six, and the only people in the building were Mazin, Gino, and Juanita, the cleaning lady. Gino liked being in the halls around this time - the domed ceiling, the marble columns, the vaulted paintings in golden frames - it all seemed more regal and majestic without the rush of people around. Its part of the reason he enjoyed getting here early, and staying late.

The two men climbed down a flight of stairs into the parkade.

“Gino - before I forget, Seema called again. You were tied up in a meeting but she told me you should call her back as soon as you can. Said it was important. Sorry, I should have mentioned it earlier, but it just hit me now.”

Odd. He hadn’t heard from Seema in over a year - curious, why was she reaching out now?

“No worries, Mazin. I’ll get back to her tonight. Get home safe - say hi to Mariam and little Noor for me.”

“Will do, boss.”

Sapana heated up a plate for Gino and herself. While they were here, the kids would eat at 6:30, but Sapana would always wait until Gino was home to eat. Gino hated that he made her wait. Sapana never said anything but he could tell that if it was upto her, he’d be home on time for supper with the kids. Still, Sapana never complained - Gino felt like with all the stress he dealt with on the job, she didn’t want to burden him with more.