THE SHORT STORIES OF ZAKARIA TAMER

Stars Do Not Talk to Kings

Once upon a time, there lived an elderly king who loved stars because they resembled the pearls hidden away in his cabinets. But Layla, Layla was a little girl who loved stars because every night they told her the most beautiful stories. One night, Layla said to a star: “Tell me a story.”

The star said: “I’m tired. You tell me a story, and if it impresses me, then I will tell you a story like none you have ever heard.”

Layla said: “Agreed. I will tell you a short story.”

Layla’s Story Once upon a time, a little boy wanted to become king. He asked his mother: “How can I become king?”

164 BANIPAL 53 – SUMMER 2015