“I don’t blame them,” Carlos said softly through gritted teeth. “I’m glad they’re doing it.”
“What?”
Carlos turned towards him, a fire burning deep within his eyes, “Think about it, Dad. They lied about the election. Everybody knows they lied about it. They think we’re stupid and that they can just do anything they want to hold onto power. But the lies make them illegitimate!”
Juan was unfamiliar with that word. He squinted his eyes in an expression that encouraged Carlos to clarify what he was saying.
“Illegitimate, Dad,” Carlos repeated. “It means they don’t have any power because we didn’t grant it to them. We don’t have to do what they say or follow their laws.”
“Mijo!” Juan was shocked. “How can you say that? You’re a Marine.”
Carlos turned away and looked out the window at the flags flapping in the sultry afternoon breeze. “I don’t think I am anymore,” he sighed and turned back to face Juan. A lot of us feel this way. I’m thinking about quitting.”
Now Juan was beginning to understand, “Is that why you, uh…” he made a waving motion around his chin.
“Is that why I haven’t shaved?” Carlos asked. “Yeah,” he leaned back in his seat and grinned, “I guess you could say I’m just pissed they stole the election again.”