When no one else is looking…
I have a story that I need to tell you, but I can’t. The Hero has asked me not to.
“Asked” is the wrong word. The Hero begged me to not tell this story. He doesn’t want you to hear it. Not because it’s a lie. Not because it lacks substance. No, the Hero wants this story burned because after you finish it, you won’t see him as the Hero. You won’t see him as the Man. No, if you knew this story, you’d know him as the Villian that he feels he is.
I tell the Hero, it’s this story that tells something true about you. He looks back at me with hurt in his eyes and says that’s what he’s afraid of. I think about this and about how when I say that magic word and transform into him, it won’t just be him that’s seen as the villian. It’ll be me too.
I nod slowly and trace the lightning bolt insignia on the cape in my lap. I agree not to tell anyone, ever. The Hero sighs in relief and tells me I’m doing the right thing. Part of me dies as I agree to protect him from the lonliness of full disclosure.
Maybe everyone will understand, I plead. We’ve done a lot of good in your name and they’ll be understanding of a few dark secrets. He doesn’t respond. He knows that I know they won’t.
So I have a story that I want to tell you. It’s about a hero who wants you to keep thinking of him that way. I wish you could hear it.
