Life as the Dominus only fit a select few. Krane was the Dominus of Faraway Lane. The days were filled with the rights of his title, as the only male to many women, but at what cost?

The only way to become one was to survive the Dome. It didn’t matter how much wine or satisfaction he received. Nothing relieved his nightmares. Some days were better than others.

He often stood at the end of the lane, staring off into the yards, flowerbeds, and gardens of the women who worked his street. A few little girls found fun passing a dodgeball back and forth. Apple trees were in season. The day was bright and green with an over abundance of white houses and picket fences.

Lady Charlotte, the eldest of the street, would often try to help him past bad days as they came. It was seen as the common good to aid the Dominus, unless they find themselves with one of the failures. She lived at the end of the lane.

“What is on your mind, dear Dominus?” said the Lady Charlotte.

“I’m remembering Gary.”

“And what did we talk about last time, dear?”

“The illusion of control. But I was there. I could have relented.”

The Lady shook her head. “You can only control you. He knew what he was getting into, the same as you. A man has few options in this day and age. I’m sure you’ll be fine. Just don’t put thought into it. You deserved to live as well.”

Krane knew she was right. He wanted to forget it all, but it would haunt him when he least expected it. “I think I’m going to take a walk to help clear my head.”

The Lady bid him his day as he strolled up the lane. A few of the women whistled at him as he walked up the street. He hated when they did that.

When he walked half the street, he turned to Lady Nora. The young lady wore a white summer dress, red lipstick, and her hair done up in a bun. Her daisies seemed to come along nicely. She whistled at him all the same.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a few seconds. “You call me?”

She beckoned him with her index finger as she headed for the front door of her residence. Krane followed, and the rest of the street watched as they headed in.

Not a word was said. The ladies kept gardening as normal. The little girls kept playing ball. Nothing changed.