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Description

The path of a hero is fraught with many perils, some of which are more subtle than others. Most of the calls you receive are simple, deceptively so. Sometimes, you forget that you’re occasionally obligated to place yourself into harm’s way in the defense of others, to witness events that are terrifying and tragic, and still persevere in the face of the staggering odds against you. The reminders of the risks you take - for yourself and others - may or may not be frequent, but they will come. Still, you put on a tough face against your foe, and a sympathetic smile for the thankful soul you just saved.
Then, when you return home, there’s nothing to hold back the thoughts that have been plaguing your mind. Whether it’s the criminal that got away or the victim that couldn’t, the guilt and self-doubt will eventually seize you. They tell you that you are not good enough. “Give yourself up.”

I cannot tell you honestly that it will pass. For a precious few it does, but far too often it resurfaces. What I can tell you, though, is that it is worth fighting. For what is to be gained by that surrender? Who is saved by giving up?

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Today was rough for a couple of reasons, but I started this as sort of a tribute piece in regards to the shooting in Florida. I changed my mind soon after starting, feeling that such a ham-fisted idea of having a fictional character feel bad about real-world events was better left to those with better artistic expression. Still, my ache needed venting, and I wound up making this instead.

Description

The path of a hero is fraught with many perils, some of which are more subtle than others. Most of the calls you receive are simple, deceptively so. Sometimes, you forget that you’re occasionally obligated to place yourself into harm’s way in the defense of others, to witness events that are terrifying and tragic, and still persevere in the face of the staggering odds against you. The reminders of the risks you take - for yourself and others - may or may not be frequent, but they will come. Still, you put on a tough face against your foe, and a sympathetic smile for the thankful soul you just saved.
Then, when you return home, there’s nothing to hold back the thoughts that have been plaguing your mind. Whether it’s the criminal that got away or the victim that couldn’t, the guilt and self-doubt will eventually seize you. They tell you that you are not good enough. “Give yourself up.”

I cannot tell you honestly that it will pass. For a precious few it does, but far too often it resurfaces. What I can tell you, though, is that it is worth fighting. For what is to be gained by that surrender? Who is saved by giving up?

------

Today was rough for a couple of reasons, but I started this as sort of a tribute piece in regards to the shooting in Florida. I changed my mind soon after starting, feeling that such a ham-fisted idea of having a fictional character feel bad about real-world events was better left to those with better artistic expression. Still, my ache needed venting, and I wound up making this instead.