Confession

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This was for a prompt given to me by my language arts teacher. Written about a year ago, the prompt was to write an adapted famous legend from the point of view of a bystander.

It's very short, but enjoy.
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This is too much. I've been set up for failure... I cannot be responsible for knowing something that could mean public damnation. I'm just a simple man... I can't do this. I've always thought myself a good secret keeper, but this one is eating me alive. I'm doomed. This threat of death surely not an idle one. And as certain as I am that the sun will rise each dawn, I know if I ever let even a quiet confession slip, to whom, no matter, I will be no more. My life depends on it. I am alone in this conflict, yet it is not just my life at stake here. I could not abandon my family at this time. Even if it kills me to do so, it is imperative that I keep this secret. I must. I must...

It was just two weeks ago that it happened. I was unsuspecting but suspicious all the same. He came into my shop curiously wearing a dark Phrygian cap over his shaggy hair that was obviously overdue for a trim.
"What can I do for you on this fine day, Midas, sir?" I innocently questioned.
"Just a quick cut will do," he grumbled as he stroked his beard for emphases.
"Might I suggest a more detailed appointment for today?" I innocently questioned. He had refused to have the hair on his scalp cut for so long. I was hoping I could convince him of just how long his golden locks had gotten.
To my surprise he growled again and snapped, "Just do what I asked, can you? I don't want you to cut my hair. In fact, don't ever touch it again, do you hear me?!"

"I... I..." I stuttered over a reply to his uncalled for reaction. He sighed and rubbed his unruly beard. He mumbled something under his breath before looking up. His steely eyes met mine with a determination.

"I suppose I can't really hide it forever... I'll have to get it cut at some point," he ran a hand through the waves that already dangled past his shoulders. With a sharp nod he seemed to make up mind. "Alright then, you're a good man. You can can keep a secret, can't you?" His voice dropped dramatically. His words were so soft I had to lean in to hear them.

Not even waiting for my reply he continued. "I need you to swear. I need you to understand how important it is for you to not say a a thing about this. Not a thing," he was rambling but his icy words dripped into my ears causing me to shiver and gulp involuntarily. "If even a peep makes it out I guarantee I'll..." Midas stopped and ground his teeth together. "I will kill you. Do not doubt me. I will."

My eyes widened as his hand reached up to pull his cap off. No wonder this man was all in a stumble. I nearly laughed at the sight of him but his low growl made me reconsider and I swallowed my giggle where it traveled down my throat and into my belly. My laugh quickly turned my stomach roiling in discomfort. Who in Zeus's name did he anger to receive such a punishment?

Two long hairy ears poked out from the top of his head. They were perked in my direction as if awaiting my reaction but I just stood there dumbstruck.
I realized too late that I was staring at those ears, donkey ears. I quickly recovered from my shock and grabbed a pair of scissors off my table.

"Let's get to work shall we?" I noticed his hat had fallen to the ground so I pointed saying, "It would probably be a good idea to keep that for now."

I eyed those ears again, sizing them up, and it dawned on me that I hadn't affirmed that I would keep this information to myself yet. I cleared my throat and clearly and carefully spoke my next sentence, "I promise to keep this a secret for as long as necessary."

He grunted, clearly pleased with me. I sighed in relief and my shoulders probably visibly relaxed. I stood there unsure of myself until I resolved to act as I would normally. I moved closer to his head with the scissors, motioning him to sit in a chair.