The Distance

A recurring theme in this story is the song "I Can Go The Distance" from Disney's Hercules.

"I'll be there someday," Michael sang softly as he opened the bottom dresser drawer and took out a small brown box. "I can go the distance." It was just as he remembered it; plain brown and tied with brown twine. His fingers worked slowly as he undid the twine. "I'll find my way, if I can be strong," he continued singing, lifting the lid off the box and casting it aside. "And I won't look back, I can go the distance." Reaching into the box, he unwrapped the soft tissue paper and let it fall to the floor, joining the discarded cover. "I'll stay on track, no I won't accept defeat." Michael closed his eyes and pressed the barrel of the gun to his temple, pulling back the hammer. "But I won't lose hope," he whispered, "I can go the distance."