Page 52 of Monstrous Truths


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“And where did you fit?” Feur asks.

“In a lab, much like the one Cato has. I was… Well, I helped the humans come up with vaccines, to keep kids like you safe, and food substitutes for those who couldn’t get food.”

“Did you always want to do that?” another queries.

“Yes and no. I always wanted to be a scientist to help people.” I shrug.

“What about your parents?” another calls, making me grin.

“They aren’t with us anymore. They died when I was very young,” I admit. “They were incredible people, you would have liked them. My father told the best stories every night, and no matter how tired he was, he would act them out for me.” I grin. “And my mum? She made the best pancakes ever.”

“How did they die?” a kid inquires.

“In an accident,” I reply slowly, “but it was a very long time ago.”

“Do you miss them?” another asks.

“Very much so. I was heartbroken after I lost them. It hurt very, very much.”

“What about your friends?” another calls, and so goes question after question, from my love life, to work, to the city. I answer as many as truthfully as I can without scaring or upsetting them.

“So humans just pick a person and mate them?” one older teenager asks. “It’s not based on the mating feeling like we are taught?”

“For humans? No.” I shrug. “We fall in love, a chemical reaction. We find the best person for us—no instincts involved most of the time—and if you’re very lucky, that person loves you back.”

“Have you been in…love before, Miss Tally?” someone calls.

“I have once,” I admit.

“What happened? Wasn’t he your forever mate?” another girl queries, making some boys gag.

It seems kids, even monster kids, are all the same.

“He wasn’t, but I learned a lot from that love. I learned how to be stronger, to stick up for myself, and to trust in myself. I learned how to be alone.”

“Alone?” another asks. “Are you alone a lot?”

“Over the wall? Yes,” I reply softly.

“Isn’t that lonely?” Feur asks. “We are never alone. I don’t think I would like it.”

“I’m starting to realise it was very lonely. I don’t know how I’ll ever go back to nights without listening to you all play or reading you stories. You all have spoiled me that way.” I wink, and it’s the sad truth.

“Don’t be sad, Talia,” Feur says and climbs closer, taking my hands. “You can stay here with us—that way, you will never be alone again. You can be one of us.”

Tears fill my eyes as I stare into his stubborn little face. “I don’t think I can stay,” I murmur. “I am…different. I am a human, and some don’t like that.”

“I don’t care that you’re human.” He nods seriously. “You are kind. You read us stories, you play with us, and you make grumpy Cato smile.” I grin at that. “Why does it matter if you are not red like us?”

“I-I don’t know, buddy, it just does to some people,” I tell him. “And that’s okay, they have their reasons.”

“That’s dumb.” He huffs, and in that moment, I see the incredible man he will grow to be. “You are no different to us, not inside, and my mummy always says it’s what’s inside that counts.”

“Your mother is very smart,” I say, squeezing his hand, “and I wish I could stay, I truly do.”

“You do?” another asks.

“Yes. I like it here. I like everyone, and I love the city, but sometimes, we don’t always get what we want. Let’s not be sad,” I tell them when they slump. “I am here now, so how about more stories? I can tell you about the time when I snuck out to meet friends at the lake, only to get stuck on a rock because I was sure there was a monster in the water waiting to eat me!” I pounce, making them laugh.

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