Family

The Most Important Lesson is a Lie

No small truth in a lie

My child, come closer to me, and heed my words. Draw tight the blinds so the neighbors may not see. Come closer, for I need to whisper. There.

Be brave. Santa still toils in his workshop, the Easter bunny yet hops along. The sky has not fallen. But you need to learn not to believe your father.

I have told you many things. I have done so that you may learn.

I have told you lies.

I have told you that I once owned a dinosaur. I have told you that you will be drafted into the army at the age of ten. I have told you that your twin was stolen by a gypsy band.

Hush. There is no need to cry. These lies hid a greater truth and that is what you must now learn.

Listen.

If you cannot trust your father, who can you trust?

No, not your mother. She also has told you untrue things. Who can you trust?

You have no answer. You have learned the Most Important Thing.

People will lie to you all through your life. They will lie to cheat you, to hurt you, to spare you pain. Sometimes people repeat lies told to them by others, perhaps even by their fathers. Sometimes they think…