Today
Today is the day I will fail.
This is it. There is no turning back now. My strength is dwindled to almost nothing. Even the Earth seems to be against me as the clouds loom overhead, cutting me off from the sun.
Today I have fought a beast that has shown no mercy. A beast that has trampled an entire league of heroes without blinking and left nothing standing in its path. It started from the depths of Earth's core and has escalated to one of the highest-populated areas of our nation. Nothing could oppose it. Nothing but me.
Now, ironically, I realize the true value of life, only in the crushing grip of death. I see things flash before my eyes, things I have taken for granted. The sight of Central Park in the fall, the majestic Kansas wheat fields, the bustling city of Metropolis.
And then there are other images. My name on the byline of the city's greatest newspaper. The first glimpse of that bold female reporter storming into the Chief's office. The look of wonder in her eyes the first time we flew.
The first time we kissed.
Then another blow strikes me. I see the twisted concrete and steel splattered with my own blood. I don't have long before the end comes. I put everything I have into my final blow. I have to make it count. For Metropolis. For Mom and Dad.
For Lois.
And as quickly as the beast's rampage began, it ends. The world falls still. I've beaten him. I have finally proved to the world that nothing is a match for…
No…that blow took more out of me than I thought. I really have failed this time. I tried, but in the end it wasn't enough. There is no one left standing. No one to clean up the mess. No one to look for survivors.
Then I see her. She rushes at me, seemingly in slow motion to the world around me. Even with tears streaking her face she still looks beautiful as my world goes dark. As she cradles my head in her arms and tells me its okay, I realize the truth…
Today is the day I fought as I should have; as Superman.
Today is the day I am victorious.