𝕾𝖎𝖝𝖙𝖊𝖊𝖓

                                    

                                          
Slow Down by Mac Ayres
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Today, as I walked into the White House, I felt a mixture of relief and reluctance. I'd been assigned to cover some of Vice President Walz's meetings, a change of pace from my usual routine. Honestly, I was glad for the shift—I needed a break from shadowing Kamala. Just yesterday, I told her I wasn't going to play her games anymore, whatever that meant. Yet, as I took in the familiar halls and corridors, I couldn't shake a strange sense of loss.
I hated feeling this way. It felt foolish to admit, but I already missed her. Something about her was magnetic, and even now, with the distance I'd tried to create, it felt impossible to ignore her presence. She was always there, lurking in the back of my mind, and it was becoming harder and harder to separate myself from it. But today, I'd focus on the Vice President's schedule. Or, at least, I'd try.
As I opened the door and stepped into the expansive meeting room, the hum of conversations and the rustle of movement filled the air. People were scattered around a large central table, some seated in earnest discussion, others standing off to the side in small groups, talking quietly. I let my eyes wander across the room, scanning faces in the hope of finding someone familiar. Unfortunately, not a single one rang a bell.
A part of me had hoped to see Ruby here, a comforting presence in an otherwise overwhelming space, but deep down, I knew that wasn't going to happen. Today, it was just me. The realization settled in, leaving a faint pang of loneliness, but I took a steadying breath and prepared myself for whatever was to come.
I navigated my way over to a quiet corner of the room, claiming a secluded spot where I could set up my camera without drawing too much attention. After setting down my bag, I methodically unpacked my gear, carefully pulling out the camera and selecting the right lens. I clicked everything into place, the familiar sounds and motions helping me settle into a rhythm.
As I powered the camera on and raised it to eye level, adjusting the settings and checking the frame, I caught sight of Vice President Tim Walz entering the room. His presence shifted the energy, and a few heads turned in his direction. I took a quick, steadying breath, knowing that it was time to focus and capture the moments as they unfolded.
I started snapping photos as Vice President Walz moved toward the table, offering polite greetings to everyone he passed. He had a calm, friendly demeanor, and his warm handshakes and nods seemed to put people at ease. As he reached his seat, the rest of the room began to settle into place, with everyone gradually taking their seats around the table.
In a few moments, the only ones still standing were the aides, a handful of assistants, and the ever-watchful Secret Service agents positioned discreetly around the room. I remained in my corner, camera poised, capturing the subtle interactions and the quiet intensity that filled the air as the meeting was about to begin.
Throughout the lengthy meeting, I captured countless photos, focusing intently on Vice President Walz. I observed his expressions, his gestures, and how he interacted with those around him, ensuring I documented every significant moment. As the meeting finally drew to a close, I took my last shot, letting out a quiet sigh of relief. Lowering my camera, I immediately began reviewing the shots on the small screen, carefully scrolling through each one to assess their quality.
I was absorbed in my task, lost in the details of light and composition, when I felt a light tap on my shoulder. Startled, I quickly turned, raising my eyes to see who had interrupted me.
"Camilla."
It was that Secret Service agent standing behind me. I should have known better than to think today would pass without a hitch; foolish of me to assume otherwise. His presence had that unmistakable, unyielding air of authority, and I could already sense that this wasn't going to be just a casual interaction. A quiet sigh escaped me as I braced myself, hoping whatever was about to come wouldn't throw my entire day off course.