• Everyday, three children would leave the comfort and security of their warm, sweet smelling cave. Their soft skin is sensitive to the burning rays of the sun and the twinkling spotlights of the stars. To protect themselves from fear of utter annihilation, they gather mud and clay residue from the cave and smother it over their bodies. The mixture cools and moisturizes their scaly skin; furthermore it absorbs all harsh light that threatens their existence. Behind these clay body masks, they were free to live life without boundaries because they were safe from harm and judgment of others. There was a downside to using the clay of course. As the days grew longer and the summer sun beat down upon the clay covering more ferociously, they could not stay out for long or the clay would harden and begin to fall apart.
    One day the children ventured out into the desert after going through the process of covering their bodies. The thickening of the body and facial mask changed many of their features. Their voices deepened and their walks were altered. They received and treated differently than they would if people saw their true form. On this day, the sun shined particularly brighter than usual. The temperature began to crawl higher and slowly their masks began to thicken into thin plates. They hurried back towards the cave, afraid of being set aflame and killed. Sadly, the children could not outrun the rays of the sun and their masks began to harden and crumple. The tallest one cried out in pain when part of the clay covering his cheek shattered.
    Their cries of pain continued until they reached the cave. All the clay had shattered except for the small plate covering their chests. Their skin had been tortured by the heat. Even in the darkest part of the cave, the sun still showed their red, burned skin. In tears they slept for days, awaiting the submission of their pain.

    The youngest one awoke to the beauty of the moon at the mouth of the cave. She woke the others an in painful grunts, they stood and followed her to the mouth of the cave.
    “Can I go look at it?” he little girl’s voice asked.
    “Why would you go look at it? Have you not felt the burns the sun has bestowed upon us?” the oldest retorted.
    “What difference will it make? The sun has harmed us severely and much pain we have felt. The moon and stars will cause no more pain that the sun already hasn’t.” the little girl argued.
    “Besides,” the middle child said look out the cave, “the moon and stars are softer, gentler, and nowhere near as bright as the sun. She will be safe.”
    The oldest one stared deep and hard at the little girl. He contemplated every excuse in his head as the why she shouldn’t go but her argument seemed to top his.
    “I’ll go with her.” the middle child mumbled.
    “No. I’ll go.” The oldest sighed.
    “How about we all go together?!” the youngest beamed.
    The little girl grabbed the oldest and middle child by their fingers and led them out into the luminescent night. In awe, they stared up at the sky and its millions of twinkling lights. The moon and stars seemed to nurture their sore flesh and the cool sand began healing their tired, hot feet.
    In the distance, a bright line of red seemed to rise and grow larger. Their bodies froze in fear that it was the sun. Instead of the sun, a large crowd of people approached them blazing torched and loud chants. They were too scared to breathe, let alone move. The crowd reached them and made a circle around the three children.
    “Who are you?” a man in the back shouted over the murmurs of the crowd.
    “We are the clay people who wonder your village during the day.” the oldest spoke up while the tow younger ones cowered behind his back.
    “Why do you cover yourselves in clay and disappear before the sunset?” a woman in front asked looking them over.
    “We cover ourselves for protection from the sun and you.”
    “What do you mean from us?” the woman asked appalled.
    “We are different from you. Our skin is pale and sensitive compared to your sturdy, bronze skin. We do not walk or talk as you do. We are opposite of you in many ways. We cover ourselves in fear that you will prosecute us because we are not like you.”
    “We would never do such a thing! We accept you for who you are, regardless of your difference in skin, appearance, or actions. You are people just like us and should be treated no differently.” the woman removed her blanket and took blankets from a few others around her. Slowly she approached the children with a serious look on her face. The children flinched when she reached out to them.
    “Do not fear me. I will not bring you harm.” She covered their naked bodies with the shroud of blankets she received and led them into the crowed. “We shall take care of you and love you as if you were our own.” she said with a big grin.
    The group wondered back to the village with three new members to nourish and take care of. On their way back into the village, the sun rose softly on the horizon. It’s brilliant color shown upon the group and their path into the village and happily the children basked in its beauty. Free of fear, persecution, and pain.