When They Ask, Tell The Truth

Summary

A child is led by their father to learn the truth about their people's journey through space after their home planet died.

Abstract

The narrative titled "When They Ask, Tell The Truth" unfolds with a child's curiosity and a father's acquiescence to reveal a profound secret. Upon the child's request to know the truth, the father takes them beyond their ghetto through a forbidden passage, past the Royal Guards, to a chamber where the child learns their civilization has been traveling through space for generations since their planet's demise. The father's revelation that the lights in the sky are stars marks the child's transition from innocence to a bearer of their people's legacy. This story, inspired by another, aims to convey a deep truth within a concise narrative framework, emphasizing the transformative power of knowledge.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the inspiration drawn from Nanji Erode's work, suggesting a respectful homage to another writer's ideas while contributing a unique perspective.
The use of a forbidden passage and the intervention of the Royal Guards imply a societal control over information, hinting at a theme of censorship or selective history.
The father's decision to reveal the truth at the child's request, despite the apparent risks and societal norms, indicates a belief in the child's right to know their heritage.
The child's transition from innocence to knowledge is marked by a physical journey that mirrors the emotional and intellectual odyssey they undergo.
The author expresses a self-reflective sentiment about the story's length, considering the possibility that the narrative might be more impactful if condensed, yet chooses to honor the constraints of the medium.

But once they know, they’re children no more.

Nanji Erode wrote this story first. Reading it sparked off a different version in my mind I wanted to share in the spirit of creative tag.

“I want to know.”

Father stood abandoning his meal, “Come then.”

Mother frowned, but I followed.

Father strode beyond our ghetto and I half-ran as familiarity bled away. When he turned into a forbidden passage the Royal Guards blocked him.

“He Asked,” was all Father said.

“Then tell the Truth,” they chanted.

Uncrossed spears clanged against the floor. Gut twisting, I wiped the crumbs of dinner from my cheeks.

At a small chamber, Father’s sad eyes drew me in.

“What are those lights?”

“Stars — we’ve traveled for generations since our planet died.”

He squeezed my shoulder.

“Now you know.”

Thanks for the spark, Nanji, I hope you don’t mind me trying my hand at a similar story. It does feel like this sort of story would work better at 200 words, but I didn’t want to ‘cheat’ 😉