The President looked back at his reflection on the glass. "We don't
want to make the boss angry now, do we Evans?"
"The boss, Sir?"
"Brandon, of course," the President smiled. "After all, the government
works for the taxpayers, Evans--and Brandon is the last taxpayer. He's
our boss, son. The only boss we have left."
"Mr. President. If I might--"
The President returned his gaze to Evans. "I think we've forgotten
something over these past years, Evans. Something very important."
"What is that, Sir?"
The President removed the puppet from Evans' limp fingers. "If the sole
purpose of the government is to serve the taxpayers--and there were no
more--how could we justify our existence in office?"
The President ran his finger under the chin of the little puppet, "Do
you mind if I keep this, Evans?" he asked softly. "I'd like to take it
home to my granddaughter. She's never seen a puppet, I'm sure she'll
love it."
The tiny figure seemed to smile approvingly.