He dreamed of supernatural powers.
He could fly, leap large buildings, smite his enemies with a clench of the fist or a mere thought. Send laser beams with his eyes. Read the thoughts of others and control their lives.
Secretly, he longed to control his own.
“I’ll teach them,” he muttered, when bullies teased or strangers were rude. When his boss made him work late. Or office bearers and uniform wearers wounded his pride. When women scorned and love was forlorn.
He retreated from crowds until he was alone and could weave his dreams in peace. When his powers came to him, he told himself, he would rule the world and make it better. He would be a kind god but merciless to his foes.