Page 135 - TruthAboutLyingFinal

Nicholas Boothman
Same machine.
Two children.
Two outcomes.
“Truth can set people free,” he said carefully. Aimee waited.
“And sometimes,” he said, “truth needs mercy beside it.” “What’s mercy?”
Henry almost answered too quickly.
Then he stopped.
“Mercy is what keeps truth from becoming cruel.” Aimee considered this.
“Then you should add more of that.”
Her mother gave a small, tired laugh.
Henry smiled.
“Yes,” he said. “I probably should.” His phone buzzed.
ASSESSMENT PROTOCOL ACTIVE 36 HOURS REMAINING
FINAL PHASE INITIATING
Aimee noticed his face change.
“Bad news?”
“I don’t know.”
“That’s what Mom says when it’s bad.” Henry stood.
“Keep getting better,” he said. 135