100 Questions for Michael Hampden

Part 1: The Basics1

I sat in the chair across from him, twiddling my thumbs; yes I was twiddling, get over it, anyways, I was sitting there waiting I was waiting for the interview to start. I had no idea what kind of questions I was getting asked, only that out of the billions of people on the face of this earth I’d been called to answer a bunch of random questions for money. I guess it was just my lucky day, I think. 2

“What is your full name?” he asked. 3

“Michael Jonathan Hampden, but I go by Mike, or Michael, really I answer to anything.”4

“Where and when were you born?”5

“January 23, 1982 in a small town called Hastel in Missourri.6

“Who are your parents?”7

“My dad’s name is Dean Parker Hampden. He works IT, information technology with computers and all that fun stuff. He’s a good guy. Very much a people person, likes to be around people and sometimes even be the life of a party, but I’ve never actually seen that, only heard. He used to travel a lot with his old job, but after the company moved over seas and he got a new job he stopped traveling so much for work. It got to be nice to have him around before I left for college. 8

My mom, she’s a good woman. Her name’s Elizabeth Mary Leston Hampden. Her maiden name’s Leston. She’s the ideal mother I guess you could say. She was always there for me growing up and I even had a couple of friends who affectionately called her mom when they saw her. She loves to cook, but doesn’t always get the time because she works as an administrative assistant. “ I explained, thinking fondly of my mom. 9

“Do you have any siblings? What are they like?”10

“One younger brother, there’s a five year gap between us. His name’s Bret Nathan. That kid’s a creep, not really, I just call him that. He’s a good kid. Turned twenty-one this year, meaning I have to really watch out. There’s a wild side about him that I never quite got. He’s a huge flirt and all the girls love him. Bret’s the artist of the family, always drawing or singing something. Then for some reason, trouble always seems to find him, don’t know how, but he has a bad habit of getting himself into trouble, he really is a good kid though.”11

“Where do you live now, you live with anyone?” 12

“Ha, I live in a small and I mean small apartment. Pay 500 a month and then own a shotgun because you can’t be too careful. I live in a more run down neighborhood and I do live alone, though my landlord seems to be like a second person living in my apartment, mostly because we’re friends, not because he’s a creepy landlord. It’s an alright place, it’s got a bed, a small television that sometimes works sometimes doesn’t, water runs, electricity works, it’s got the basics so I’m set.”13

“What’s your occupation?”14

“Uh, struggling lawyer. I’m currently just getting out of law school and attempting to land a job at a firm. Working with one, but they don’t pay much, aka the reason I live in such a crummy area. I hope to land a better job soon so I can make enough money to pay off college debts.”15

“Can you describe yourself?”16

“For the record, sure, why not. I’m six foot one, a little on the shorter end, but it’s cool. I work out a lot, so I’ve got my share of muscles, both in the stomach area and the arm area. My eyes are greenish blue, depends on how you look at them, my hair’s almost black and I like to keep it short, one judge doesn’t usually like a long haired lawyer, two, it’s easier. Don’t do much to it, just wash it. When I’m working I wear suit and tie because what else am I going to wear? When I’m not working I like to wear jeans, either a dark button up shirt or some sort of dark t-shirt and if it’s slightly chilly a leather jacket, which actually finds itself worn year round. I don’t have any tattoos, though I did think of getting one once, but that’s a whole other story. I’m Caucasion, but my heritage is Irish/Scottish and I think a little English too. I weigh about 179, which I think is pretty good.17

“To what social class do you belong?”18

“Middle class I guess you could say. I’m not seriously poor, but I’m not rich either, so we’ll say middle class, if that’s what you mean. I just hang with whoever, whether it be the hobo on the street or the lawyer in the court house.”19

“Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesse?”20

“I’m pretty healthy. Had a heart murmur when I was younger, but that got fixed up and wasn’t anything serious really. I rarely get sick. Although I do wear glasses when I’m reading. I’ve heard it looks distinguished too, I’m twenty-six though, do I need to look distinguished?”21

“Are you left or right handed?”22

“Right handed in everything.”23

“What does your voice sound like?” 24

“Weird question, but ok. From what I’m told it’s deep and it sounds deep to me, had a cousin of mine tell me it was soothing once. I don’t have much of an accent left over from living in Missouri, but I hear it comes out once and awhile, like if I’m really angry or drunk, which does not happen a lot, on both things.”25

“What words or phrases do you use frequently?”26

“I like to say, ‘dude’ when I’m with friends and then there’s all the lawyerese speak.”27

“What do you have I your pockets?”28

“Uh, my phone, a couple coins and that’s it, wait my jacket pocket has a pen and a pad in it too, plus my keys.”29

“Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics?”30

“I have a habit of either tapping my foot or my fingers and I talk a lot, sometimes, if you haven’t already noticed.”31

Part 2: Growing Up32

Yes, they gave me a break, but I’m back, for round two. At least I got coffee and a sandwich, although a very small sandwich. I let out a breath as I sit back down and wait for the interrogation to continue and my patience to continue to decrease. These are very odd questions and kinda boring or fun, however you look at it. 33

“How would you describe your childhood in general?”34

“It was normal, although we moved when I was ten, so it was a little hard, but I got over it.”35

“What is your earliest memory?” 36

“I have to think about that, uh, maybe when I was three, I think, my dad was standing next to a horse, one hand on me, one hand on the horse and he was leading the horse as I rode it. We had a ranch in Missouri.”37

“How much schooling have you had?”38

“Ugh, too much all the way through high school, then four years at Kansas State, then another four years at Marshall law school in Cleveland, Ohio.”39

“Did you enjoy school?”40

“Elementry, yeah, but doesn’t everyone, middle school was, I barely remember it, must’ve blocked it or something. High school was fun, first two years were cool, last two amazing. Had some of the best times as a junior and senior. Kansas State was a lot of fun too, it was college, Marshall, I had to buckle down. So yeah, I enjoyed school.”41

“Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities?”42

“Well, what I know ‘bout computers I know from my dad as well as what I know about training a horse and stuff like that. I learned that early from him. My ninth grade teacher helped me in my writing. According to her I had a huge talent. She just helped me expand it and get into it. My uncle taught me how to play guitar, while my mom taught me piano. I enjoy both. And debating, that’s all me, well kinda. Law school just enhanced it.”43

“While growing up, did you have any role models? If so, describe them.”44

“My grandfather, my dad’s dad. He was around a lot. He told me a lot of stories about how he fought in World War II. I loved those stories. He actually taught me how to shoot and gave me my first gun when I was twelve. He died when I was thirteen. I still have the gun. He taught me how to stay loyal to people even when it was tough.”45

“While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family?”46

“Really well actually. My brother and I fought, but it was normal sibling stuff. My dad and I usually got along and so did my mom and I, of course she’s hard not to get along with.”47

“As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?”48

“Uh, do I have to answer this. Um, when I was six, I wanted to be a rock star, I kinda danced and sang around the house. Please don’t tell anyone, I can’t believe I even admitted that. Um, then when I was twelve I wanted to be a cop after that most jobs I wanted to be dealt with the law and now I’m a lawyer.”49

“As a child what were your favorite activities?”50

“I either was outside with friends I had in the neighborhood or I was beating up my brother…..kidding, don’t write that down. No, I liked to play outside or if I got the chance to go shooting, yes I went shooting as a kid, but that was only when I was with my grandfather. I liked riding horses when we had ‘em.”51

“As a child what kind of personality traits did you display?”52

“What kind of question is that? I don’t know, fun? I was a good kid, I liked being around people I was friendly and talkative usually.”53

“As a child, were you popular? Who were your friends, and what were they like?”54

“I was average, not popular, but not a total loner. Had two really good friends through middle school and high school. Mark and Kyle. Kyle was a musician, Mark was head editor on the school newspaper. Good guys. Kyle liked a good party and unfortunately partying got him killed. He died in a car crash, he was driving drunk. Mark works at the New York Times I think, we haven’t talked in a little while. We went through many times together.”55

“When and whom was your first kiss?”56

“Tenth grade, Katie Butler. We dated for a month. It was a mutual ending.”57

“Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?”58

“I will admit it, I’m not a virgin, won’t say I’m proud though. Her name was Bethany. I was a senior. We’d been dating for a year. I thought that was what I wanted. After we made love, I realized it wasn’t right. I regret it. Don’t tell any guy I said that or I will hunt you down.”59

“ If you are a supernatural being (i.e. mage, werewolf, vampire), tell the story of how you became what you are describe any influences in your past that led you to do the things you do today or first learned of your own abilities. If you are just a normal human, describe any influences in your past that led you to do the things you do today.”60

“A supernatural being? Is this a candid camera kinda thing? Do I look nuts to you? Right, no not a supernatural being, perfectly human. And most of my influence comes from teachers, friends, family, everyone I meet. I know sounds cliché, but it’s true. The people I know have helped make me who I am today.”61

Part 3: Past Influences62

No break this time much to my chagrin. It’s reaching one in the morning and I’m getting tired. There’s still so many more questions, darn it. I look at the man across from me. He’s changed. They had a sort of changing of the guard; I’ve got a new guy asking me questions.63

“What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?”64

“Graduating law school I guess. It’s pretty high up there at least. I could be really deep and say when I got saved, because that’s definitely topping the charts. Ok, there’s a lot of important points of my life, important to me anyways, like my brother being born, getting into law school, the list kinda goes on and on, but we’ll leave it at the current top two, being saved and graduating law school.”65

“Who has had the most influence on you?”66

“Good question, um, my college sophomore year English professor. I can’t tell you how many marks he would put on my paper and then turn around and tell me he liked it. Before his class I was considering dropping out, mostly because the work was stressing me out like nothing else. I had a possible job lined up with a guy, wouldn’t exactly call him a true friend, but he was a friend I guess. Figured I’d get out of college and work with him. Then I got this professor who kept telling me to write and to keep up with college. Something hit me and I kept with it. I still connect with him.”67

“What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?”68

“Again, gradating law school. That was tough and then also renting and maintaining my own place. It’s tough, but I’ve managed and I’m happy with it, for now.”69

“What is your greatest regret?”70

“Well one losing my virginity to someone I wasn’t married to nor someone I truly loved and two not keeping a closer eye on my friend Kyle. I feel that I should have talked to him about his partying and what could happen.”71

“What is the most evil thing you’ve ever done?”72

“Evil? Does shooting a rabbit when I was eleven count? I’ve never really done anything evil. I mean shooting the rabbit was kinda hard since I’d never shot an animal before, but it was hunting.”73

“Do you have a criminal record?”74

“Juvenile record, but hey that’s wiped clean and it wasn’t anything major. Mark, Kyle and I got together and sort of decided to smoke pot. Needless to say we got caught and I never did it again.”75

“When was the time when you were the most frightened?”76

“Last year. Got a message after class telling me to get to the hospital by my family’s home in Kansas. Bret had been out with some friends and they’d been held at gunpoint. Something happened and Bret was shot. He was on life support by the time I got there. I just remember sitting next to his bed, pleading with God to let him live. I was so scared that I would lose my brother that night, afraid he would leave me. I think I yelled at him for being stupid, just hoping for an answer. It never came. He finally woke up. I forgot about yelling at him then. Gosh, it’s been awhile since I’ve thought about that, it’s still hard to think about it, even though he’s ok. He’s got a scar though, which is hard to see sometimes.”77

“What is the most embarrassing thing ever to happen to you?”78

“You seriously want to know? Uh, second year of law school. Couple of the guys who lived a floor below me got the brilliant idea to go swimming in the middle of the night on Halloween. They invited me and because I was an idiot I went. Think they said something about it being a haunted lake, I’m from Kansas, I know nothing about Lake Erie. Because we were all guys we didn’t care about getting naked so much around each other or something like that so we went skinny-dipping. As it turned out, I was going skinny-dipping alone; they took all my clothes, but my coat. I had to walk to the nearest gas station to call for a cab. I think the cashier was considering calling mental health services or the cops, heck I’m sure of it. For some reason he didn’t and I ended up calling my roommate of the time, realizing I didn’t want to be in a cab in just a jacket, plus I had no money. I had to ask the cashier for change to call. Worst Halloween of my life.”79

“If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be and why?”80

“Uh, I don’t know. Maybe I’d change not following my heart all time. I’ve found it can hurt sometimes when you don’t. I won’t get into that though.”81

“What is your best memory?”82

“Honestly, holding Bret for the first time. I loved the idea of being a big brother and I now love being a big brother. There’s so much stuff that’s happened, but I love remembering his birth and remembering holding him. He was my baby brother and I had a job, a job I still carry out.”83

“What’s your worst memory?” 84

“The memory that Bret almost died. I won’t tell the story again, but I hate that memory because sometimes it keeps me awake at night.”85

Part 4: Beliefs and Opinions86

My neck hurts, my heads starting to hurt, these questions are becoming a pain. I just want to go home and sleep, but no there’s more. Shoot me now, please. 87

“Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic?”88

“I’m usually pretty optimistic. It’s when I’m tired or drunk, that I get pessimistic, or just moody, however you want to look at it. If it’s a serious situation like someone close to me is hurt or something, then I get a little pessimistic.”89

“What is your greatest fear?”90

“Maybe loosing the ones I truly care about.”91

“What are your religious views?”92

“I’m a Christian. Been a Christian since I was 16. Before that I just sort of floated on my parents’ faith. “93

“What are your political views?”94

“I tend to lean more towards the right. I’m a pretty conservative individual when it comes to politics.”95

“What are your views on sex?”96

“Ok, interesting question. Uh, I believe sex should be saved for marriage. I truly believe that. I believe it helps the relationship when you wait. And I know, I’m sounding like a romantic or whatever, but so what.”97

“Are you able to kill? Under what circumstances do you find killing to be acceptable or unacceptable?”98

“I hunt, so I kill can kill animals, but I always eat what I hunt, I don’t just do it for sport. When it comes to human if someone idiot is threatening someone close to me, I’d be willing to shoot, if it’s shooting to protect. If it’s killing just to kill, that’s wrong and I think it could be punishable under death.”99

“In your opinion what’s the most evil thing a human can do?”100

“Oh, there’s a lot and I see a lot of it. I’ll name two, one abusing a child. The child is innocent, but a parent chooses to abuse him or her, why? Because they get their kicks out of it. I try to put away bastard parents like that. Then there’s rape. Why, why? I don’t get it, do you find satisfaction in tearing apart a girl like that?” I take a deep breath; both those topics can get me mad. 101

“Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love?”102

“I don’t know, I’ll get back to you in that when I find someone.”103

“What do you believe makes a successful life?”104

“Being able to care for your family. I don’t have my own family yet, but to be a father and know my children are getting along alright, I’ll know I’ve been successful, for now though, helping put away criminals.”105

“How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings?”106

“I guess I have to be honest don’t I. Ok well, I’m not always honest, I sometimes even lie to myself. I guess it started out that I was trying to be the strong older brother, just sort of grew from there. And when it comes to my thoughts, I usually keep them to myself if they’re really personal. I don’t know, it’s just who I am. I sometimes like to keep my thoughts and feelings to myself, unless I’m being made to answer stupid questions like these.”107

“Do you have any biases or prejudices?”108

“Does prejudice against democrats count…I’m kidding. I have many democrat friends and I love ‘em all. Seriously, not really, none that I can think of right off hand.”109

“Is there anything you absolutely refuse to do under any circumstances? Why do you refuse to do it?”110

“For one beat a child or rape a person. Do I need to go into that again? I probably would never kill an animal just for sport, it’s wrong. It’s one thing to feed a family, but to just kill something, why?”111

“Who, or what, if anything, would you die for?”112

“Easy, my family and my close friends. Being loyal means you’re willing to die for them.”113

Part 5: Relationships with Others114

Ok, they let me go for three hours to sleep, so I’m a bit more rested and not so hateful towards them. There are still more questions. They say there are 99 questions in total and then someone special’s going to come talk to me. We’ll see what happens and if I survive all the questions. 115

“In general, how do you treat others? Does your treatment of them change depending on how well you know them, and if so, how?”116

“I treat people I know and like or work for, with respect. I’m not usually one to be rude. If a convict is the stand I have a bad habit of yelling at them sometimes. It kinda pisses off the judges at times and I think I’ve scared the jury once or twice. I don’t like to yell, but hey they deserve it. I’m really easy and comfortable with people I really know and trust.”117

“Who is the most important person in your life and why?”118

“My brother. I’ve watched him grow and I’ve saved his butt from so many things. I’ve also almost lost him, which makes him even more important, I think he gets tired of my every other day calls sometimes.”119

“Who is the person you respect the most and why?” 120

“My mom, she had to put up with my brother and I. We could get pretty rowdy at times. I think we’re responsible for half of her gray, I mean silver, hairs. She was always so cool though, still is. Gotta hand in to her. If any one can handle bombs thrown in their direction, she can.”121

“Who are your friends? Do you have a best friend? Describe these people.”122

“Mark would probably be my best friend even if we haven’t talked in a little while. I’ve known him since seventh grade and we’ve been through a lot together. He was the one that called me about Kyle. Then there’s Jason, my landlord. The dude’s nuts, I think he’s just glad to have someone in one of the apartments close to his age. He’s thirty. I think his dad passed the apartment on to him or something. I don’t know.”123

“ Do you have a spouse or significant other? If so, describe this person.”124

“No spouse or significant other, but I sorta do have my eye on someone. We work together though and we’re kinda only friends. I want more though, I think.”125

“Have you ever been in love? If so describe what happened.”126

”Once when I was 23, first year in law school. I was sure I’d met the girl of my dreams. But I was too guarded and she felt pushed away. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be, I don’t know. I swore off dating for awhile after that. But, now it’s ok, I date once in a while.”127

“What do you look for in a potential lover?”128

“Faith, she’s gotta have a strong faith. And fun, I like fun. If she can make me laugh, I’ll probably be hooked or if she knows the right things to do or say when something’s wrong. My family’s important to me, so as long as she at least respects them, I’m happy. I like to banter sometimes, it can be fun and it’s even more fun when I have a strong, smart opponent. I just want to love her and have her love me. I can be picky, but is that so wrong?”129

“How close are you to your family?”130

“Didn’t I already answer this question? I guess I could answer again, I think. Fine, we all get along great and we’re really close. Bret and I talk a lot and every week, at least once I talk to either my mom or my dad on the phone. We email a lot though. I trust my family with my life and I’d protect them with my life.”131

“Have you started your own family? If so, describe them. If not, do you want to? Why or why not?”132

“Not married, so no family yet. I do want one some day. It’d be nice to have a little boy or girl running around. I just hope I can do a good job in raising them and that I don’t lead them astray or anything.”133

“If you died or went missing who would miss you?”134

“Uh, I’m assuming my family and my close friends like Mark and Jason.”135

“Who is the person you despise the most and why?’136

“Uh, I don’t know, I like most people I meet. Good question.”137

“Do you tend to argue with people or avoid coflict?”138

“I’m a lawyer, what do you think? Ha, no I don’t argue with normal people that often. Most times I try to avoid conflict. It’s only really fun in the courtroom.”139

“Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?”140

“Once in a while. Depends on the situation. But yea, sometimes I do, sometimes I step back and let others take the proverbial wheel.”141

“Do you like interacting with large groups of people? Why or why not?”142

“It’s alright. Sometimes it can get overwhelming. You get used to people though and you learnt to deal with it. So whether or not I like it doesn’t matter, I deal with it.”143

“Do you care about what others think of you?”144

“Only if they’re giving me sound advice about something I need to change. Other than that, I don’ t really care.”145

Part 6: Likes and Dislikes146

I take a sip of a coffee they brought me. It’s almost over, I’m glad. Soon I can just go home to my apartment and sleep and forget about this whole ordeal. Why’d I do it? Oh yeah, the money. 147

“What is/are your favorite hobbies/pastimes?”148

“I have a guitar so when I’m alone I play that, try to keep up with it. Don’t have a piano and can wait to get one, so piano’s set aside. Can work be called a hobby? ‘cause I do it a lot. I write once in awhile, not as often as I probably should. Half the time I’m writing crosses and directs for clients or whitnesses. I read took, I like reading and if I’m not reading a case, I’m reading a book about something interesting.”149

“What is your most treasured possession?”150

“This,” I pull a chain out from under my shirt, I show a cross and a pendant. “a cross to remind me of my faith and James the Just. He was a desciple of Jesus and since I’m all about justice my parents got it for me when I graduated.”151

“What is your favorite color?”152

“What are we five and have nothing else to ask? Uh, dark blue, black, and red.”153

“What is your favorite food?”154

“Why, you wanna make me something? Uh, I don’t know, I eat mostly anything, except most seafood and egg salad. Just can’t stand either. I like spicy foods though and steak, can’t go wrong with a good steak.”155

“What, if anything, do you like to read?” 156

“Uh, mostly Grisham novels. I have a liking for Poe too, his dark haunting poetry and stories are all so interesting. I like most things usually.”157

“What is your idea of good entertainment?”158

“I like a good movie once in a while or just listening to music, usually rock.”159

“Do you smoke, drink, or use drugs? If so, why? Do you want to quit?”160

“I did drugs once and that was one time in high school. I don’t usually smoke and I drink a beer on occasion. Smoking I do was I’m especially stressed, but it’s really, really rare for me to smoke and I don’t like it. I sometimes just not ever buying a pack. I drink to calm nerves or just ‘cause it taste good or because I’m with friends. I don’t get drunk really, I don’t like to. So there’s no reason to really quit, is there?”161

“How do you spend a typical Saturday night?”162

“Sometimes out with coworkers who I get along with or just hangin’ around my apartment doing apartment duties. Then some Saturdays I have to work on a case, so each Saturday’s different.”163

“What makes you laugh?”164

“Uh, Jeff Dunham, inappropriate on so many levels, but so funny. I die every time. Then there’s my crazy landlord. Jason definitely makes me laugh with some of the things he pulls.”165

“What, if anything, shocks or offends you?”166

“I’ve seen a lot, so not much.”167

“What would you do if you had insomnia and had to find something to do to amuse yourself?”168

“Work on a case, probably the reason for the insomnia. That or call Mark or Bret up just to annoy them, though chances are Bret would be awake if I called him.”169

“How do you deal with stress?”170

“Play guitar, write, go out with friends and grab a beer. Stress usually goes away after one of these three.”171

“Are you spontaneous or do you always have a plan?”172

“Most times I have a plan, but I’ll go along with a spontaneous one if someone else has the plan.173

“What are your pet peeves?”174

“People acting like they’re better than everyone else, having to repeat what I say. Little things like that bug me.”175

Part 7: Self Image and etc.176

Almost done, I think I’m going to cry. Gosh I hope I don’t, that’d be awful. Alright I can do this, just have to stay awake long enough. Plus I don’t want any more of the coffee it’s cold and nasty. Excuse my complaining, but I’m tired and these questions got annoying after a while. 177

“Describe the routine of a normal day for you. How do you feel when this routine is disrupted?”178

“Well I get up around six thirty, take a shower, eat a quick breakfast while looking over the paper. Then around seven forty-five I head off to work. Either I’m working a case or receiving one or in court. Work routine is routine, but also flexible. I learned early on that in law you have to be flexible. So when something pops up in my day I don’t get real bent out of shape about it.”179

“What is your greatest strength as a person?”180

“I can put up a good fight in an argument and I’m loyal as a golden retriever, although I never had a golden retriever, but I hear they’re loyal.”181

“What is your greatest weakness?”182

“Family, plain and simple.”183

“If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?”184

“Uh, I usually like myself, in the non-vain way. Maybe my current inability to buy a decent car. Shallow I know, but true. I’m basically broke and can’t pay a mechanic to work on my car for me or buy a new one, so I’m stuck with Jason teaching me out to fix it, for free thankfully.”185

“Are you generally introverted or extroverted?”186

“A little of both generally. Way to answer the question huh?”187

“Are you generally organized or messy?”188

“Organized, mostly because I have to be or I loose important documents.”189

“Name three things you consider yourself to be very good at, and three things you consider yourself to be very bad at.”190

“Good at debating, shooting, and playing guitar. Bad at tennis, sharing emotions, and getting normal hours of sleep at night.”191

“Do you like yourself?”192

“Ha, I answered this in another question but what the heck, sure, I like myself.”193

“What are your reasons for being an adventurer (or doing the strange and heroic things that you do)? Are your real reasons for doing this different than the ones you tell people in public?”194

“Huh? I don’t get it. I never said I was an adventurer. And I do what I do because I want to see justice take place and because I love doing it.”195

“What goal do you most want to accomplish in your lifetime?”196

“Putting away as many bastard parents as possible.”197

“Where do you see yourself in five years?”198

“At a bigger firm hopefully and maybe with a family of my own.”199

“If you could choose how would you want to die?”200

“Getting morbid huh? Ok, I can do that. Old, with my children and grandchildren and maybe great grandchildren surrounding me. I want to die in my sleep, no pain, just peace.”201

“If you knew you were going to die in 24 hours name three things you would do in the time you had left.”202

“Visit Mark, quickly, talk to him a little, then. Set up the arrangements for my funeral, then finally go to my family where hopefully I’ll see all of them, my dad, my mom, and my brother.”203

“ What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death?”204

“That was able to bring justice to people and help them in their time of need.”205

“What three words best describe your personality?”206

“Thoughtful, responsive, logical.”207

“What three words would others use to describe you?” 208

“Hold on, let me go call them….Kidding, um maybe loyal, logical, and thoughtful.”209

I lay my head on the table, I’m exhausted. They tell me the person I’m supposed to meet can’t come but she’s on the phone. Handing me the phone I answer.210

“Michael.” She says211

“Yeah?”212

“Listen to me, I know you know this, but never let go of your family and when you find that special someone let her in. Trust her with your heart. You have a special job, treat it well.”213

“Uh, ok. Who is this?”214

“Never mind that, just listen.” She says before hanging up. I put the phone down. I feel confused and tired. They tell me I can go home now and I do. Her words resound in my ears as I fall asleep.215