Picture of Crystal

Martin sat in his lounge chair. The plans, the stacks of papers, the overwhelming sensation - all of it was laid out at his feet. It was his move and nobody could stop him.
Months and months of work... for what? Was it all too easy? The sweet reward of ultimate clarity. The knock of destiny pounding at his front door.
He knew his feelings would fade. It had happened many times before. As days passed on, so would his heart. It was impossible to feel good all the time. It was easier for him to feel half decent... and soon he wouldn't feel at all.
When the police came it was too late. He had held out for as long as he could. All they found in the dimly lit study was a smoldering cigar in a crystal ashtray, and a note that read, 'I told you so.'