The Prize

My story takes place in the sceneries of childhood, to which I always return in my dreams. I can still clearly hear the sound of the wind, never-ending and wet. I see the unfriendly beach. The sea is yellow and grey. Storms make the walls tremble. These are hostile times. At school one perceives the overwhelming mediocrity of fascism and its ridiculous ceremonies. I am seven years old. I go to school. I know I must not reveal my true identity to the other kids. They explained to me that my family’s life depends on my silence. I’m forced to lie. I lie, just as they said I’m supposed to. I manage to have them believe my lies, I desperately try to look like all the others but now my mother feels sad and despises me. I am wicked and stupid and make her suffer. What should I say? What should I keep to myself? How should I earn the appreciation of my mother and others?  In a world so full of confusion and fear, who are we supposed to be?"