POV 3
Paul stood outside Kai's door, his heart heavy with guilt. He had seen the look in his son's eyes-the hurt, the disappointment. He knocked softly before pushing the door open.
Kai lay on his bed, his face buried in the pillow. He didn't move when Paul entered.
"Kai," Paul began, his voice soft, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said it like that."
Kai peeked out from under the pillow, his eyes red from crying. "Do you really think I can't do it?"
Paul sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed. "It's not that, Kai. It's just... becoming commander-in-chief is a nearly impossible dream for anyone, let alone a commoner like us."
Kai stared at him, his lip trembling. "But... you said I could be anything if I tried hard enough."
Paul looked down at his hands, thinking carefully about his next words. "Yes, you can. But it's going to take more than just hard work. Becoming commander-in-chief... it's going to take everything you've got and more. It's not an easy path."
Kai sat up, wiping his nose with his sleeve. "But... do you think I can do it? Really?"
Paul looked into his son's eyes, and for the first time, he smiled. "Yes. I believe you can, but you'll have to work harder than anyone else. It won't be easy, and there will be people who tell you it's impossible."
Kai's face brightened. "Then I'll do it. I'll work as hard as I have to."
Paul ruffled Kai's hair and stood up. "That's my boy. Now get some sleep. Tomorrow's another day to chase that dream."
As Paul left the room, Kai lay back down, staring at the ceiling. His father's words still echoed in his mind. The path ahead would be difficult, but Kai's resolve had never been stronger.
One day, he would stand at the top-no matter what it took.