It's funny, I never asked for any of this.
Yet simultaneously, I did.
All the people and events appearing before me are what I had desired months and years ago.
Yet I didn't think what the price would be.
I prefer collaboration. I'd rather do a win-win situation.
But I know this isn't always going to happen.
Sometimes the hard, difficult path is the one that we need to go on. And I might be the one to dish it out.
All these years of maturing and learning are culminating to a point.
I've talked about the importance of wielding a sword when necessary.
It seems the time has come.
Will my empathy get in the way?
The way I see the best in people?
The moments I see potential instead of reality?
Or will I choose a greater cause?
To turn one away for the survival of the tribe.
To get rid of the infection, to treat the diseased parts.
That is part of being a mature man.
Of reaching true manhood.
Its the hard decisions, the tough calls, the times I may be seen as "bad" but for the greater good.
My friend I hope you understand I don't wish anyone any harm.
It's the last thing I want to do.
I want to save you but I can't do that work for you.
I cannot choose your feelings over the community.
I vent this here because there's nowhere else I can open up so publicly about my internal struggles.
There's nowhere else I can express the pain I feel knowing I might ruin our friendship. Knowing I might hurt you.
But I can no longer stand by and allow things to fall apart
If I don't step up, who will?
Your demons drown you and I try so hard to pull you out but I can't do it for you.
I'm willing to be the villain in your story.
I only wish you to learn your lessons and become a better man.
If you can't fulfill this, I'm sorry.
It was never my intention to begin this karmic dance.
But I've made my decision.
If I have to be ruthless to create a place of safety and community I will.
Even if it means going against my own brother.
This is the story that has gone on since the beginning of time.