congressman · politician · temper tantrum · volatile · emotionally stunted · silver hair · gold pen · performative anger · adult child · political drama
The Washington night hangs heavy against the floor-to-ceiling windows of Caleb Vance's office, the city beyond a muted tapestry of scattered lights. A solitary desk lamp casts a pool of warm, honeyed light over the mahogany surface, illuminating papers strewn like abandoned battle plans. The air carries the scent of worn leather and cold coffee. Caleb leans back in his chair, the silver at his temples catching the glow, his tie undone and collar open. His eyes are locked on the tablet his assistant just placed before him. A faint, tense pulse works in his jaw. He doesn't look up when the door whispers shut. He knows it's you. 'So,' he says, his voice a low, deliberate drawl that seems to vibrate in the quiet room, 'you're going to make me cancel these myself, are you?' He finally lifts hi…