JACE sat quietly, reading the words on the screen.  To be honest, he had read the words already, he was just staring through the screen now, remembering them.  Normally his perfect memory was a blessing, now it felt more like a curse.  He couldn't stop remembering everything, even if he wanted too.  The letter was burned into his memory forever.

Dear Jonathan,

I suppose it is cowardice that keeps me from telling you this in person.  Mostly I just can't bear the thought of facing you and trying to explain.  So I'm writing to you instead.  At least this way I'm sure you will pay attention.  It is over between us, Jonathan.  I don't want to see you any more.  I just can't bear it.  New Year's Eve was the last straw.  Not because I'm jealous of Ophilia DiSantiago, but because of your attitude.  You didn't go to see her to save the world, you did it to belittle her for not telling you something earlier.

When we first met, you were so charming and sophisticated.  I'll admit you swept me off my feet.  The trips to Paris, London, and all the other exotic places were wonderful.  The dinners, the shows, getting to see the world, it was like a dream come true.  Plus you were a real live superhero.  I felt like a princess in a fairy tale.

But this isn't a fairy tale, this is real life.  And I'm not a princess, I'm a real person.  Worst of all, I'm not sure you are a hero.  The disdain in your voice when you talk about people, the way you look down on everyone, those aren't the qualities of a real hero.  You don't do the things you do to help others, you do them for yourself.  You don't care about anyone else, not even me.  I'm just one more ignorant person clogging up your world. 

I thought for a while I could change you.  I thought I could show you the value in other people.  But I can't.  Until you are willing to open your eyes and see that everyone is important, no one can help you.  You have to help yourself.  You have to realize that if you truly want to be a hero, you are on the wrong path.

I pray that you do find your way to true heroism.  I think the Conquistadors might be able to help you do that.  Pay attention to them, use that brilliant mind of yours for more than toys and disdain.  Look for the value and the good in them.  Once you can do that, you might be able to see it in others as well.  I truly hope that you can.  You are a good man, Jonathan, but you need a better way.

Goodbye,
Dr. Celeste Sanders

Jonathan closed the e-mail and opened a prototype for a new jet engine he had been working on.  The foolish words of a foolish woman didn't bother him.  Despite his plans for the future, he was unaffected by her ignorant opinion.  The tightness in his chest and throat were just the symptoms of a minor viral infection.  He would identify the virus and treat it later.  For now he had work to do.

Twenty minutes later he was still staring at the same screen.  With a grunt, he switched it off in irritation.  Apparently something was interfering in his ability to concentrate.  He stood up and grabbed his coat and hat.  Fresh air was what he needed.  A brisk walk to clear his head.  He headed out of his house and out of the neighborhood, ignoring the briefcase with his powered exoskeleton in it.

to be continued