The Golden Watch

They sat across from each other in uncomfortable silence at the mahogany table where so many earlier battles had been won. The aging leader shook his grey mane, unable to voice his pain as he gripped and turned the expensive gold watch in his large, manicured hands. The younger, more vibrant man studied his father’s worn, forlorn face before speaking.

“This is what you trained me for,” he said.

“I know,” his father replied. “I just didn’t want it to happen so soon.”

“I’ll always need your advice, Dad,” the young lion said respectfully, “but it’s my time to lead.”