Short Stories

The lost innocence

In tonight's show a special audience was invited and they were sitting at the front rows of the studios. The anchor had been preparing for the series interviews nationwide to address various social problems. Tonight's episode was sponsored by Child Protection Firm and two other charity organizations.

Harris had a difficult time reading and preparing his script. It will be an emotional episode and it was something he could relate to as well.

The director shout out the last minute instructions before mounting on his chair. The counting began. Lights, camera and action!

"Hello everyone and welcome to our show." the host began. "Tonight we shall be discussing an issue that is receives very little of our attention. There is nothing on earth as innocent as a child, however, sadly, there are some black sheep in every society. These monstrous people are the reasons why many happy and young lives have been destroyed or ill-affected forever."

And thus a voice over began and the wide television screen started to play a short film footage. The entire hall fell silent and remained silent even after the footage had ended. 

After taking some deep breaths Harris, the anchor continued, "The statistics are really scary aren't they? One out of every sixth child is a victim of child sexual abuse. In our country where we are focusing on environmental issues, many social issues remain untouched. Child Abuse especially sexual abuse is a reality, my friends. And it would astonish you to know how many amongst us have fell into its victim and how many familiar faces, celebrities, sportsmen, our neighbours, our relatives have experience this ordeal."

"Since tonight's episode is a part of three part series, we shall be discussing how much this issue has been brushed under the rug, and how due to social pressurization victims have been silenced and have often been neglected by our society. How we continued to ignore this issue and how much we need to give our children time and attention in order to help them and prevent them from such horrible incidents. As our series would develop we shall talk about how to deal with the victim, how to educate a child for a self-defence."

"Tonight we have invited a special guest on our show. She is well-known writer and a social activist. Before I call her on the stage here is a short introduction to our very own Maria!"

After the video had ended and the lights were turned back on, the audience applauded. Maria was sitting right opposite to David, the anchor.

"Welcome to the show Maria!" David greeted.

"Thank you David." she replied.

"As we already know from this video and also from your works also, you are quite a celebrity."

"Oh thank you, its all because of prayers and support that I get." Maria responded.

"But behind this flashy and glamorous life, there is a long journey... a struggle." David began hesitantly.

"We all have our sets of hardships. We get over. We develop." she said.

"But it really truly is shocking. I mean... we feel that we have known you so well but none of us could actually ever suspect or even predict." he continued.

"Yes. Unfortunately, the moment you step into the spotlight, you become a public figure and there is a lot of responsibility. There is peer pressure and your every move is judged. So as a celebrity you develop this skin, you wear that and as much as it is there to protect you, it is also there for the fans and public in large. I consider it as a defence mechanism."

"But I believe it also shows maturity and struggle." David stated.

"I agree. I have come a long way and that is part of growing up." Maria replied.