Today was a day of fear.

People had gathered around their TVs, waiting for the news. They had no idea what would become of them. The people in the room where he would appear shuffled, some excitedly, some nervously. Even those who believed they knew what would happen were uncertain.

This day had come many times in the past with little to no fear. But this year was different. This year a single speech could change everything. Or maybe nothing. No one knew.

The people gathered, either in person or watching through a screen knew they had no one to blame but themselves. They had chosen him, as a perceived lesser of two evils. But even his most devoted followers were starting to wonder what might have been had they chosen someone else to lead them through these hard times. But now it was too late. Only drastic actions could change the path they were on now, and no one wanted to be the one to take the fall.

It was almost time. People shuffled nervously, glancing at the door. No one knew how it would begin. It felt surreal, like a strange nightmare. But it was real. All to real.

It had been a year of turmoil, and it felt like there was one mistake after another. Every misstep led them closer to a cliff. And today could be a very large misstep that brought them right to the edge. Or maybe they would simply go over. No one knew.

He had been a man of surprises. No one knew what was happening. He said one thing, and his followers said another in an endless loop of despair.

The door swung open, and an old man walked briskly to the podium, and adjusted his microphone.

The country held his breath.

"Good evening." President Donald Trump said grandly. The State of the Union had begun.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner.