Perception ✔

21 Pacts & Permission

- Do not tell my sister nor your brother, I beg, but I have a secret. The vase Grandmother blamed you for breaking was my doing. I am sorry. – A

- It's all right. I hardly think such a secret is worth all this paper.

- Do you promise you will not tell anyone?

- I will always keep your secret. Will you keep mine?

- Yes, of course. I worried because you had not included one. – A

- I have many. Which one would you like?

- What is your name? – A

- You have not replied. Have I offended you? – A

No. I was simply surprised. I did not think anyone cared to know. My name is Eze.

- Does it mean anything? – A

- Yes. But you would not believe it.

- Then let us make a pact. We'll say only what's true to one another. I'll start. I regret when my stories cause trouble. Everyone says I know no realism but that is false. I simply don't like the life here. I often make mistakes. And it's a bore studying at a constant. Other than visits here with you two, all that are left are the stories. Even if people see them as lies. – A

- I enjoy your stories. – E

- And your secret? – A

- I promise to give you a secret next time, but I beg, tell me a story of a boy who can fly in two days' time. And whatever happens, give the blame to me. And only me. – E

- I am very sorry. I've given this to someone to post. Please do not send a letter back here. Instead, I'll wait for your next visit and apologize directly. I'm very sorry. That was all meant to turn out differently. – E

- You've made everyone think I'm a liar. – A

- That was not my intent. – E

- You take my correspondences but do not respond. Why? – E

- Thank you for the pears. It was awfully clever. And I'll forgive you if you'd explain why you've done as you have. –A

- But that's a proper secret. And it's not mine. – E

- Could you tell me why you took a slap on my behalf? You know how she is. – E

- That, too, is a secret. – A

- You are frustrating. Very well, let us be honest. You are a terrible cook. – E

- Considering our mishap yesterday, I know. Very well, I shall tell you my biggest secret. I enjoy your company. – A

- That is no secret. – E

- I'm fond of you.

- You did not sign your name. I am suspicious of the level of commitment without a signature. But all right. I will tell you the reasons for my foolish actions. Each year we visit the king. And it's dreadful. But it's especially awful for my brother because, of the two of us, he looks far different from your countrymen. On two occasions now, the king's ordered part of his skin peeled. I swear, he may think to make him fairer piece by piece. But we go as a set. And we cannot go if one's injured. I'd meant to sacrifice one leg. Not both. My brother does not know my reasons. And you are not to tell him. Please swear that I can trust you.

- That is awful. Must you go next year as well? – A

- I will think of something next year. For now, thank you for nursing me. But you shouldn't let others see it. Especially not my brother. And he's rather clever so he will know. – E