Prologue

“Adam, that’s dirty, leave her alone.”
…
“Stop that, Adam. You can see your sister doesn’t like it.”
…
“How many times, Adam? You know you can’t do that.”
…
“Go to bed now, you filthy little boy.”
…
“I heard what you were doing. There’ll be no more treats for you until you start behaving properly.”
…
“Why do you do that sort of thing, Adam? You know it’s disgusting.”
…
“It’s about your son. My daughter says he made an absolutely filthy suggestion to her.”
…
“This is serious Adam. Anything more like this and you’ll be up before the council.”
…
“Again?! You do realise everyone’s had enough of your behaviour Adam?”
…
“As you won’t agree to reform you must leave this village, never to return. Once you’ve seen the sins of the world we won’t have you back here.”

****

This was it, Adam was finally leaving, he knew he’d never belonged in this isolated little village. Ever since he could remember he’d been in trouble, his thoughts and feelings so out of step with everyone around him. After twenty-four years, the stifling atmosphere had grown unbearable. He needed to get out, and he wasn’t going to try and deny who he was any more. Maybe somewhere in the world were people who felt as he did.

He travelled light, his few possessions slung in a bag over his shoulder. First following a barely discernable track, eventually becoming a little-used path, growing into well-worn route, finally joining up to a metalled road. As he stepped out onto the road he looked to his right and saw the outline of a small town on the horizon. Reinvigorated, he hastened towards it.

This story is a fantasy, set in another place, with only the slightest passing nod to our reality as it’s glimpsed on a distant horizon. If this isn’t immediately apparent to you, I strongly suggest you seek urgent psychiatric care.