Lost Innocence: Billy’s Struggle to Understand a Violent World

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In a small middle-American town, a little boy named Billy struggles to understand the complex world around him. Billy’s curiosity is both a blessing and a curse, as he often finds himself grappling with the harsh realities of life. One day, as he sits in the comfort of his family’s living room, he overhears a news report on the television. The reporter’s solemn voice details another tragic event where senseless violence cost innocent lives. This particular story shakes young Billy to his core as he learns that even children, much like himself, are not immune to the cruel acts of others.

Billy’s parents, staunch Republicans and strong supporters of the Second Amendment, firmly believe that guns are necessary to protect their families from the evil that lurks outside their homes. They argue that the world is dangerous and that the more guns people have, the safer they will be from those who wish to harm. But this logic only serves to muddy the waters further for little Billy. How can more guns be the answer when they are the very instruments of death and destruction he desperately wishes to escape?

Billy spends many nights lying awake in his bed, unable to shake the haunting images of violence that plague his thoughts. He can’t help but wonder why people continue to hurt one another when the pain and suffering it causes is so evident. Despite the age-old adage that “guns don’t kill people, people kill people,” Billy can’t help but question why so many people feel the need to kill in the first place. He longs for a world where love and compassion reign supreme and where the sound of laughter drowns out the echoes of gunfire.

As the days pass, Billy’s parents notice the toll their son’s worry is taking on him. They do their best to assure him they are safe and that their guns are only there as a last line of defense. After all, good people like them needed to protect themselves against bad people. But for Billy, their words do little to quell his fears. He can’t understand how the very people he loves, and trusts could place their faith in something so deadly.

As he finished pondering problems a boy should never have, he remembers where Dad hid his gun. It was at the top of the hall closet, and Dad didn’t think he could find it or reach it if he did, but all he has to do is stand on a chair. Billy remembered Mom and Dad always saying, “Good people need guns to protect themselves from bad people.” Well, he was good people. Doesn’t he need a gun too? Billy went to the kitchen to get a chair.

Featured image: NY Post

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Professor Mike

Professor Mike is a left-leaning, dog loving, political junkie. He has written dozens of articles for Substack, Medium, Simily, and Tribel. Professor Mike has been published at Smerconish.com, among others. He is a strong proponent of the environment, and a passionate protector of animals. In addition he is a fierce anti-Trumper. Take a moment and share his work.

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