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