Refusing Excalibur

by Zachary Jones

  “Oh, nothing,” the old man said. “I’m just enjoying a feeling I haven’t had in a while.”

  “Feelings? You have those?” Victor asked.

  “Oh, yes,” the old man said.

  “So what’s this feeling you’re having now?” Victor asked.

  The old man turned to face Victor, his eyes glistening.

  “Hope.”