My hands are folded tightly in my lap as I look out the train window, the trees racing by in flashes. I'm telling the truth, I repeat in my head like an anthem. The truth, of course, wasn't something that I'd benefit from, and neither would those around me. The truth was hurtful, and I strongly believe in 'Ignorance is bliss', however, this cannot be avoided any longer- but... is there anything more cruel than the truth?
I'm telling the truth.659Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh43ApU6KDR
He is to meet me on the train, and I don't know what he looks like. Probably tall and wearing a suit, most likely caring a briefcase with threatening documents to persuade me somehow. I shake my head of stereotypes and continue to gaze out the window. The trees are already gone, instead, there is a clearing with a far-off almond orchard, it looks like. 659Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvliBrhtZ9f
A deep breath, inhaled, and then released. 659Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxg8tjGbTap
I'm telling the truth.659Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfpaT7ld9U
"Mr. Tavares?"659Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3erdSkzQxx
I turn to see not a tall man, but a short one. He wears a simple button-up shirt and his hair is messily combed out of his face. "Please," I say, suggesting him to sit across from me, "Just call me James."
"Okay, James, I'm Greg. My assistant said she received a call regarding your health," he said, slipping me a note.
I was caught off guard by his words, but I dumbly read the note.
'Don't say a word about this conversation out loud. You will write yes or no to the following question. If you do not answer within one minute, I will get up and act as if we never met. Understood? Nod yes if you understand.'659Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8J08SN0ib2
"Yeah," I nod.
"Right. Well let me give you some papers to look over, I'll just need your signature here," he said, handing me yet another piece of paper with a line at the bottom.
"Okay."
'Are their bombs beneath New York?' 659Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfP1HCrni9
If I answered yes; then New York's representatives would be put to jail, a horrible government system would take over, and many families would lose jobs. If I said no; then I fear what New York may do with the hidden bombs and it may likely lead to a civil war.659Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LZPntolDl
My hand is stiff as I grab the pen from Greg's hand, but it shakes when it reaches the paper.
Yes. There are bombs. I think, but such radical change is horrific on families. Taxes would raise in the state as well, not to mention the lack of jobs would already be a problem. If I knew the government wouldn't take over the state like they'd done for the rest, perhaps I'd have an easier time doing this.659Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiMq5Tk7Sq
'Yes' I write, clear and simple. He takes the paper, looking at it only for a moment, before standing up, "Thank you, James," and walking away.
Ignorance is bliss; but it seems the truth, in many moments, is not. 659Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdhuiPtz4e
-LovelySheree659Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDHyW9FVLf
659Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrWkYiiMWv
