This story is for Geoff (one of my mentors for this project) to say thanks for all the help. He is always talking about “knowing one’s self” so I am running with that idea.
We’re kept apart as much as possible when we are small. We are told that we must know ourselves before we can understand others. The big ones tell us it is so we can be our unique selves. Not be tainted by others.
I try to know myself. I try different foods, different hobbies, different readings. I still feel there is something missing. They tell me I am not ready, I don’t know myself. I feel alone. I wonder if I am the only one who feels like this.
One day I see some other small ones from next door. I try to talk to them but a big one leads me away. That night I sneak out and find the other small ones. We talk into the morning. They are lonely too.
I try food I’ve never heard of, hear thoughts I don’t agree with and play games. I feel better.
At first the big ones are angry with us, but then one looks at me closely.
“He’s ready, they helped him,” says the big one.
Small ones are encouraged to interact now.
freyawrightbrough 