story

daddy, why are children dying? sweetie that’s a long story. she sat up in her chair before her bowl of cheerios, leaning in with arms folded. sweetie, now's not a good time, ok, it’s too complicated for you to—daddy why are they dying? he retreated in defeat across the table, resigned, inhaling deeply. because, my child, their lives don't matter. but why not? because their parents are throwing rocks. their neighbors are firing rockets. but why? because they are living under occupation. what does that mean, daddy? it means they live in a place where people can take away your land, your home, your family, and your rights. but why would they do that? sweetie, you're going to miss the bus. tell me, daddy, why? because, sweetheart, we have failed the innocent on both sides. but why? because we have no courage. but why not? because we've lost our way. how, daddy? because we forgot what we stand for. what do we stand for, daddy? liberty and justice for all. like we say at school in the morning? yes, sweetie. will it ever get better, daddy? when you grow up, my child, it will. how do you know? because, sweetheart, occupation has an expiration date. what does that mean? it means bad things can’t go on forever. so are they in heaven now? who, sweetie? these children? yes, sweetie, they’re with the angels now. a heavy pause invaded the kitchen. daddy, can i keep this? yes, dear, but may i ask why? because i wanna remember their faces. but why, sweetie? tears began to trickle down her face. she folded her dad's paper under her arms and stood up with her pink backpack. i promise i'll tell you one day, daddy. it's a long story

(THE DIARY OF EDDY MOOD)

—jk montane