short fiction 20min
In a dystopian community, children are subjected to strict rules and harsh, indoctrinator. Stripped of their past identities, they are trained to speak only in Esperanto, preparing them for adoption into new families. Eleven-year-old Joshua stands out as a nonconformist, defying the rigid norms by befriending a newcomer, Ciela. His bond with her stirs jealousy among the other children, especially from Pipro, the group's eldest and self-appointed leader.
When Joshua is selected for adoption, he makes a daring choice to refuse it, unwilling to leave Ciela behind. This defiance provokes Pipro's wrath, who manipulates the group into turning against the pair. Isolated and under increasing pressure to conform, Joshua and Ciela face a critical decision: surrender to the oppressive society or resist and fight for their freedom.
When Joshua is selected for adoption, he makes a daring choice to refuse it, unwilling to leave Ciela behind. This defiance provokes Pipro's wrath, who manipulates the group into turning against the pair. Isolated and under increasing pressure to conform, Joshua and Ciela face a critical decision: surrender to the oppressive society or resist and fight for their freedom.
