Hart's Desire

Henry Hart stood on his front lawn in the shade of his enormous home, one arm rigidly wrapped around his wife's waist and the other resting awkwardly on his teenage daughter's shoulder. The photographer from the local paper, an inexperienced graduate named Gareth, fired off a quick shot.


"That's great Mr Hart," Gareth told him, checking the tiny display on his DSLR, "thanks for being so obliging."
"That's it?" Henry asked. He felt his arms grow tense as his daughter, Elizabeth, wriggled under the sudden pressure of his grasp, "I wasn't ready. Were we all looking at the camera? Was the lighting alright?"
"Sure Mr Hart, it was fine," Gareth was already pulling apart his camera, carefully placing each component into an expensive-looking bag.
"Uh, can I see the photo before it goes to print?" Henry asked, releasing his family and instantly feeling the physical distance it created. Elizabeth had already started walking towards the house, no doubt so she could check her Facebook for the millionth time. His wife, Victoria, distracted herself by plucking a stray weed from the soil under her designer heels.
"Sorry mate... deadlines," The photographer shrugged, slinging the gear over his shoulder.
"Wait," Henry reached Gareth in two long strides, and gripped his forearm harder than required, "I have another photo. Can I email you that instead?"
"Sure, whatever," The photographer shrugged, and shook his arm free. Henry snatched the business card that was offered, and shook the newspaper man's hand.
"Vote Hart," Henry said, locking eyes with the man from the paper and turning the charm up to eleven.
"Yeah, I'll be sure to follow my heart," Gareth sniggered.
Henry watched Gareth drive away, his smile frozen in place. Nothing was going to ruin this day - not even some over-confident kid.

"All done sweetheart?" Victoria asked, waiting at the bottom of the marble staircase that lead to their front door.
"Yes dear," Henry smiled, taking his wife's hand in his own and climbing the stairs side-by-side, "I didn't want the paper printing a photo I haven't approved, so we're going to email them one."
Victoria knew which photo Henry would be sending the newspaper. It was taken in the foyer of St. Claire City Hall the last time the whole family was together.
Victoria watched Henry carefully lift it off the shelf where it took pride of place in his office. As he gingerly removed the back of the frame and slid the photo onto the scanner, Victoria thought it was easy to see why her husband loved it so much.
It wasn't what was in the picture that Henry adored - though they all looked lovely and happy. No, it was what it represented. It confirmed that Henry had made it. He was the handsome and successful head of an attractive and attentive family. His DNA had mixed beautifully with his stunning wife, and spawned two equally fair and angelic offspring. Henry had outdone every other man he knew, and one single snapshot proved it.