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DELLA
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Present Day
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INTRODUCTORY ASSIGNMENT FOR: Creative Writing Class
Professor: Diane Baxter
Brief: To write a non-fiction piece about our lives that reads like fiction
Dear Professor Baxter,
I know you asked us to write something true that reads as fake, but I have a problem.
I’m not trying to be difficult and refuse to do the assignment but...well, this problem of mine...it’s a fairly big problem.
You see, I’m not allowed to tell the truth.
Ever.
Like literally, forbidden on pain of death.
Ever, ever, ever.
You want us to write a story based on reality, but my entire life I’ve lived a reality based on a story.
Every town I ever lived, every school I ever went to, every friend I made, and enemy I crossed, they all got told a tale.
That’s probably why I’m so good at your class. Because creative writing wasn’t just something I was interested in but a skill that ensured I stayed alive.
I know I’m not making any sense, but you’ll understand by the end.
If I do this assignment, of course, which I’m still debating whether or not I can.
It’s not that I’m afraid anymore. I know nothing can hurt me (now). And I know if I don’t do it, it will affect my grade and possibly even my graduation.
What I’m worried about is what will happen if I tell the truth, and what will happen if I continue to live the lie I’ve been living since the day I was born.
Then again, if I don’t write it, no one will ever know how unbelievable real life can be. But if I do write it, I’ll probably never show you.
Round and round I go, Professor Baxter. Hopefully, I’ll make my decision very soon, but whatever choice I make, whatever story I tell...my life?
You’ll never believe me.
Even if I tell you the truth...
Even if I reveal every secret...
You’ll never believe me.
No one ever does.
