Chapter 14 - The Twenty Minutes
Arthur walked over to Treadmill 4, the exact machine where he had stood three months ago during the public confrontation.
He stepped onto the black rubber belt, pressed the green quick-start button, and adjusted the speed to a comfortable 2.5 miles per hour.
Beside him, on Treadmill 5, Maya stepped onto her machine, matching his pace.
The belt beneath Arthur's shoes began to turn with a smooth, rhythmic hum. He swung his arms, feeling his heart pump steadily, the warm air of the gym filling his lungs.
Through the high glass windows overlooking the street, he could see people walking their dogs, children playing in the park, and the sun reflecting off the blue waters of the bay.
"How does it feel, Arthur?" Maya asked, turning her head to look at him as they walked side by side.
"It feels good, Maya," Arthur said, a soft, genuine smile touching his lips. "My doctor was right. The steps help."
"You've done five hundred miles since January," Maya smiled.
"And I have another five hundred to go," Arthur replied, pressing the speed button up to 2.8.
The gym around them was filled with the sounds of life—music playing softly from the overhead speakers, people chatting near the weight racks, the hum of thirty treadmills moving in harmony.
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There were no secrets here anymore. No hidden ledgers, no encrypted back-doors, no arrogant men holding expired cards.
Just a room full of people trying to keep moving forward.
