It is true. Ignorance really is bliss and things had never been happier in their little community. Yet, despite all this happiness Billy felt like he needed something more. Like many rebellious souls, he had begun to entertain the deranged desire to be miserable.
Some dark nights he and a few friends would even sneak down to the seedy library on the edge of town. There in the quiet shadows they would spend their time passing around books and reading them. It was a buzz like no other and no doubt, that is what kept them going back to that vile den of learning.
At first it was only the odd book read together with friends on social occasions, then after awhile Billy found himself reading alone…wasting entire weekends, indulging himself in book after book. Tragically, as he studied, he found his mind clearing as truth and common sense began taking over his life.
He abandoned everything and everything he once knew and trusted. He turned off the TV. He threw out his collection of Archie comics! He even stopped believing in big brother!
In the end, like so many other readers before him, Billy found himself in the wretched ruins of truth. Truly wasted and miserable in his state of freedom. If only Billy had remained comfortable and content in his ignorance, then he too could have lived happily ever after…
Kelvin Bueckert 