Affliction

Leru has a secret. She guards it, deep in her darkness. She is always vigilant to never expose it to those around her. All her conversations are guarded, especially with Ma and Da.
From childhood she has learned to communicate in generalities, so that she has trained her listeners to fill in the gaps to their satisfaction. The stories she tells, to hide her anomalous state, are simple and brief.
Fortunately, she has grown into a handy creature. Able to conjure elegant jugs, and delicate bowls from clay and glass, her products are highly valued, and she is protected from censure for her modest contribution to the Collective Consciousness.
The Village allows her a seat in a corner of the Tavern, where her silence during Sharing can be overlooked.
“Last night, I was visited by my Father Miso. He told me that the new crop should be planted in the northern fields. There will be Black Beetle this Spring.” There were murmurs among the gathered Community.
“My Aunt Dari concurs.”
The Village Scribe records the comments in his Book of Prophecy, along with the names of the speakers.
She, alone, is un-visited by the Dead, and has nothing to say.
200 word stories ©Kim Magennis 2018