“How many times have I told you to simply fit in?” Vikrati said.
“But, Dad!” Hernan pressed his lips together. “I try! Look what I’m wearing!” He brushed his hands down his body, over the worn Florida t-shirt with a flaking image of the sun setting on the ocean and the faded blue jeans. He gestured towards his worn canvas sneakers. “This is how all the kids dress!”
“Fitting in is more than your clothing,” Vikrati replied. “It’s -“
Hernan interjected. “Dad, I’m doing well in school, but not too well. I make sure I get things wrong on the tests. I turn in papers late sometimes, just to get the lower grade. I sit in the back and sometimes talk when the teacher is talking, just to get in trouble.” He sighed. “I’m really doing my best!”
Vikrati sighed too. He looked at the boy. His shoulders were slumped and his head was down. Clearly, he was trying.
“Our mission is important,” he finally said. “It’s not just our family in this town, but there are thousands and thousands of us around the world.”
“I know,” Hernan said. “I don’t think I’ve ever done anything to make anyone suspect that I’m any different from them.”
“Then how do you explain this?” Vikrati asked. He pulled half a drinking glass from a bag. There was a sharp jagged edge where the upper half had been bitten off.
Hernan paled. “I’m sorry, Dad. I was just so hungry.”
This is my contribution to Unicorn Challenge. The rules are simple: no more than 250 words and use the photo as a prompt.
Hot Dogs and Marmalade 
Hahaha, that was a good one! Great twist at the end. You made me laugh.
I love this the little alien doing his best….no need to worry… Some people , humans I think, make a good living out of eating odd things like glass metal and such.. I think he’ll do okay tell Vikrati not to worry!
Oooo that was so clever! I absolutely loved it!
smile emoji here:
excellent story/execution
Yikes!
This is a very cool story. Loved it
Aye, Sally, it’s not easy trying to fit in when you’re a bit different!
Nicely done.
I love this, Sally.The kid’s voice is so good and I absolutely didn’t see the twist coming.
Thanks, Jenne — and I took care of your stutter 😉
Teenage boys will be hungry, they can’t help it. Great story!
Awesome take on the prompt, Sally!
Poor Hernan! It’s not easy to balance trying to fit with a teenager’s appetite. A very fun story!
Oh my! Clearly different than others, but way beyond what I would’ve guessed. Nice pace to what didn’t so much twist as triumph!