The Emperor: A mature man with conviction and the ability to execute plans and ideas; maintains an overview of all situations with stability, control, and reason. The Reverse of the Seven of Pentacles: Anxiety over economic status. The Four of Swords: Spiritual retreat, solitude and repose.

This week’s cards had me playing the ‘What if’ game and wondering what today would look like if we had a president who had taken this seriously from the very beginning.

“Mr. President! Mr. President! What about the impact of the infection rates?” the reporter yelled across the room, over all the other reporters yelling out questions.

“Sorry, son. You’re going to have to save that question for the doctor. I am no expert. What I can tell you is that I have gathered the best virologists, epidemiologists, and other specialists and they are working day and night on figuring this thing out. I have signed an executive order to release emergency funding for research and development for testing and vaccines. I am putting a Stay-At-Home order in effect immediately to control the spread of the virus. This means non-essential personal are required to stay home in oder to minimize the spread of the virus. If you do have to leave, you must wear a mask and maintain a distance of six feet from others. Follow all of the guidelines for minimizing infection as described by the CDC. Wash your hands. Sanitize common use areas. The White House website will have information updated daily, maybe even hourly, on timelines, infection rates, and death rates, as well as frequently asked questions regarding travel, quarantine and the virus. Look. I know this isn’t going to be easy. Our economy is going to suffer. People are going to be jobless. I have also signed executive orders to provide for those in financial need. I believe in our scientists. I believe in our country. We are going to beat this, but only if we take precautions now. I’ve said enough. I’m going to step back and let the doctors and specialists answer the rest of your questions. Thank you.”

The President exited the briefing room to the roar of the reporters yelling out questions and the flashes from cameras. As the door closed behind him, he leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes. He felt his stomach twist with worry and anxiety. This pandemic was going to get worse before it got better. He was sugar coating things when he said that the economy was going to suffer. The economy was going to take a hit not unlike the Great Depression. Unemployment was going to sky rocket. All he could do was pray and hope he had taken action quick enough to minimize the damage and control the outbreak. The President felt a nudge and then one of his aids said “Mr. President?” He waved the aid off and replied “just give me a minute.” He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer for all of the healthcare workers, the people who were suffering with the virus and the families who had lost loved ones. Then he nodded and headed to his office to continue working on strategies to get his country through this.