The day of reckoning had once felt like an ending. In reality, it had been a dividing line. Before it, he measured life by expansion and recognition. After it, he measured life by integrity and clarity. The world outside continued chasing success loudly. Daniel pursued something quieter.
The rain of June 17 had once washed away visible evidence. It had not washed away consequence. That took ten years. But when it arrived, it did not destroy him completely. It stripped him down to truth.
