Blurred Life; Sighted Death
A short story
There once was a boy named Green who resided in Notion, a small town adjacent to dark, terrifying wood. Legend had it that in the forest existed an Orb, the most deadly beast ever known. There was no outrunning it. No outfighting it. No surviving its attack. But, the story goes, if you don’t look into its eyes; that is, make eye contact, the Orb won’t attack. The Orb spent its days glaring outward from the woods, making sure never to be seen.
The villagers of Notion were taught from the youngest of age about the Orb and warned never to even glance in the direction of the darkened, deadly woodland. Have you ever tried not to do or think of something? It’s nearly impossible. Children, and some adults, would inevitably peek, but then quickly turn away out of fear.
The Orb hadn’t devoured any Notionites in years. Some were starting to doubt its existence, or at least that it remained alive, but none were courageous enough to risk their lives.
So, back to this boy named Green, all nine years and less than four feet tall. It was ingrained in him, like all others, to never glimpse into or even toward the forest. Green was a naturally fearful boy and never disobeyed. Oh yes, he was at times temped, but faithfully compliant to his parents’ warnings. He could just imagine how terrifying an Orb must be and…
