The World's Greatest Actor

The World’s Greatest Actor, now a father, prepared lunch for his three children. Humming to himself happily, he slathered pieces of bread with peanut butter and jelly. He put them each into individual plastic containers, then the containers into brightly coloured cloth bags along with plums and juice boxes. He wanted to make sure they ate healthy but enjoyed what they ate. He was rewarded with their smiles when his three children came running in. An elder girl in grade two, followed by a twin boy and girl who were in kindergarten, greeted him. He said good morning and picked them all up in a bear hug, kissing them each on the forehead. They laughed  and ran to eat their breakfasts, cereal which he had poured for them. When they were done, he followed them up the stairs to make sure each one of them brushed their teeth, washed their hands, and picked up their school bags. He watched them shove their carefully packed lunches into their bags and run out the front door. He stood with them at the bus stop, watching his watch as he waited for the bus to arrive. When it did, he smiled at each of them again, said goodbye, and helped them onto the bus. He waved as it drove away.

The World’s Greatest Actor, now a leader, arrived at work where he was a manager. As usual, he was the first one there, ready and eager to start the day. The others came in slowly, dragging themselves up the stairs and into their cubicles. Upon seeing him there already working, they took inspiration from his stoicism, and sat down to work. His confidence and work effort ensured everything ran smoothly, and each one of his staff was happy to work under him. He was fair and kind, but hard when he needed to be, and strict on those who refused to do their jobs. The hours ticked by slowly, and the work kept coming. He remained calm while others panicked, happy while others despaired. He gladly worked through his break and his lunch, administrating and writing. At the end of the day, everything was finished, and the staff began to leave. As always, he was the last one there, letting everyone know that even though he was the manager, he would work as hard, if not harder, then anyone else.

The World’s Greatest Actor, now a politician, went to an after work dinner party hosted by the CEO. All the other managers were there, along with the directors, shareholders, and the highest staff of other companies. He worked his way through the crowed, making sure he shook hands with everyone but never spoke too long to one person, as that would be uncivil towards the others. He remembered every name and every face, greeting them with a welcoming smile and speaking to them with a careful balance of friendliness and professionalism. He discussed the news and local events, showing himself to be caught up on all the headlines. He discussed politics and philosophy, showing himself to be intelligent and opinionated, but not controversial or offensive in anyway. He discussed the market to show he understood his job, but carefully avoided topics related to work itself, as this would be unpleasant for a party.

The World’s Greatest Actor, now a friend, arrived at a bar. He was greeted instantly by smiles and cheers, with dozens calling out his name. He high fived and fist bumped all those he could reach, laughing along with them. He took a beer from the bar, putting the price on a tab. The bartender knew him, and let him take it with full knowledge he would return to pay. He began to drink with his friends between rounds of pool and darts. As they played, they talked loudly about all the latest sports news and games, arguing happily and betting over which was the best team. They watched a hockey game that ran on a hanging television, cheering when the home team score and mocking the referee. The joked and drank late into the night. He had to leave early, and said his goodbyes before leaving in a cab.

The World’s Greatest Actor, now a lover, returned home and walked to his bedroom to find his wife waiting for him. He apologized for being late, and was instantly forgiven. He took her into a warm embrace, whispering words of affection and love into her ears. He ran his hands slowly down her back, over her hips, and over her body. He kissed her neck softly and lovingly. He kissed her lips, and began to make love. Slowly at first, he picked up speed as he gave into desire, moving over and over, faster and faster. Time passed by without notice, and when they were done, they lay on the sweat soaked bed sheets panting, their love and desire displayed in a single, physical action.

The World’s Greatest Actor, now a cleaner, went down stairs to the kitchen. He found a pile of dishes waiting, and began to clean, happy to help his family. He scrubbed each dish carefully, dried it off, and put it away quietly so he didn’t wake anyone up. Despite the late hour, he worked tirelessly; making sure everything would be ready for those he loved the next day. Plate after plate was put way into the shelves until the counter was bare. He then cleaned and dried off the counter, ensuring there was no sign left of what had been there before.

The World’s Greatest Actor, now a human being, stopped for a moment to rest. He looked at the knife he was cleaning, seeing his face reflected on the blade. It gave a distorted image, twisted and contorted. It seemed to display another world beyond the metal, the picture of a complete home and a real man; though he knew it was only a flat, cold image, like a photo that had been faked. He traced his fingers along the edge of the blade, following it as it got thinner and thinner toward the inevitable, sharp point at the end.

The World’s Greatest Actor, now nothing, stared at the point and imagined it cutting into his throat.