The Orb Of Truth — A Short Story About The News

*The plague referred to in this story has nothing to do with COVID19

Part 1

Joseph strolled through his town one quiet Sunday morning. The weather was cold but the sky was blue, a pleasant amount of sunshine warming one side of his face. Horses trotted passed being let by their carers, local people chatted happily together in the town square and children ran between them giggling and shouting. Joseph thought of his wife and children back home, all of whom were no doubt still sleeping peacefully in bed. It’s a good morning, Joseph thought to himself.

Joseph was a tall man with a big frame, he intimidated many of those he came across. But his close friends knew he was more of a friendly giant, and wasn’t all that impressive in the intelligence department. He was here in the town square to buy something extra delicious for his children’s breakfast — they always got a treat on Sundays. He browsed the various stalls in the marketplace selling fruit, vegetables, bread, meat and a few exotic spices from distant lands being the stone walls of the town. He picked up an apple from one of the fruit stalls to check it’s firmness.

“I’ll take six of these ones” he called over to the stall owner.

“Right ya are” shouted back the plump woman behind the stall.