Proud & Pride

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As the lights fade, everyone begins to slowly exit the stage. Jino stays on facing the audience.

JINO

"My verdict does not surprise me. Pulling strings, shortcuts by means of bribary, blackmail, threats. Guess what, that’s the lifestyle sometimes. Let me make my message clearer. Ninang once told me that such responsibility benefits great rewards…and superiority. She was never the type of person to backstab a friend or any type of business. Her way of the trade is now my way. I’ve seen the advantages, and dealt with the disadvantages. You can trust every single person that comes into your life. My grasp, my direction, my on-going success to the top will ascend. Others will not dare claw at my feet. They shall not pull me into that unfortunate lifestyle. Once at the top, I will help others out of the bucket, expanding this family, the Rosario family. (pause) One by one, my power, my loyal guards will see me as their uncle…their Don…their Ninong."

For some reason, this final monologue inspires myself. I don't know how it makes others feel, but with the right motivation, the attitude, the actions, it is what it is.