This internet award-winning piece invites us to reflect on a town where deception is impossible. Have you ever experienced a moment when raw truth transformed your view?
Share your insights and help illuminate the path!
“Fallsburg. Calling at Fallsburg,” the announcer said as the train hissed to a standstill. I hadn’t planned to leave the city during my trip, but after elbowing through the swarm upon swarm of tourists, even a day’s escape sounded like heaven. Every town has a list of unmissable sights; however, I found delightfully little written about Fallsburg. When one of the few reviews mentioned what sounded like missing the open arms of a tourist trap, I bought my ticket.
“If you’re not ready, stand aside to let others pass,” said a voice over my shoulder, as I fumbled with my phone for the right barcode to scan. I turned to see a woman doing everything short of tapping her toes in frustration. Moving away, she barreled through the turnstile before I’d even pulled up my ticket.
Basking in the autumn sunshine, I shrugged off the slight and followed a broad lane towards the center, feeling as though I’d stepped into another world full of winding cobblestone streets and quaint buildings with timeless design.
“Sidewalk’s for walking, not gawking,” an old man grumbled, stepping around me after I stopped to take a photo. Chuckling about the frankness born of old age, I continued toward the square, bustling with an artisanal market.
“They’re worth the price, but no sampling.” said the woman selling fruit as my fingers hovered over an apple. Pulling out my wallet, I offered her a twenty, “Don’t you have anything smaller?”
I opened my mouth to tell her no, but words wouldn’t come. I did have smaller bills, but I habitually reserved them for tipping. Annoyed, she handed me change and stared expectantly until I took a bite. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, intent on telling her it was the best I’d ever tasted but again, nothing came out. She watched me fumble silently, her eyebrow inching upward.
“Flattery won’t get you anywhere around here.”
