The far-off Up and Down Kingdom had only two distinct regions: Higher Land and Narrow Mango. Though they were part of the same realm, their destinies could not have been more different.
Higher Land, a vast and powerful region, had always been the land of kings. It produced the chief king for Up and Down, whose leadership was celebrated with grand processions and international recognition. The current king, Heightened Height, was no exception.
A man of great ambition and even greater mobility, he was always on the move—hopping from London to Washington, Tokyo to Paris—making deals and delivering speeches. His people often saw him on TV, shaking hands with world leaders. His frequent flyer status was almost legendary.
Meanwhile, the quieter and less-traveled region of Narrow Mango had the peculiar privilege of producing only deputy kings. Leadership here was unique in many respects. While Higher Land soared to power and influence, Narrow Mango remained in the shadows, contributing labor but never leadership. The deputy king hailed from this land, a place known more for its hardworking and chola boy status than for political dominance.
While Heightened Height crossed continents with ease—visiting more than 65 countries—the Deputy King’s farthest travels were within walking distance.
The people of Narrow Mango rarely saw an airport, let alone a boarding pass. Ironically, the national airport was located within Narrow Mango’s borders, yet its people were not among those who traveled.
Despite its quiet nature, Narrow Mango had certain advantages. It was free from the chaos of street vending that plagued the capital city, Loo Sir Car, which had only one major street called Car Hero. Here, traders spilled onto the roads, and cadres controlled bus stations. An activist from Movie Lane (ML TV) once tried to restore order, but his efforts were swiftly crushed when thuggish cadres stormed his dusty studio. Now, a cholera outbreak had struck the kingdom, affecting every corner—except, curiously, the disciplined people of Narrow Mango.
But something unexpected happened. A group from Narrow Mango was seen at the kingdom’s passport office, their leader holding a placard boldly declaring: “The national cake must be shared equally!” She argued that since the national airport was in Narrow Mango, its people should also enjoy the right to fly. The question now is whether Heightened Height will acknowledge this demand—or simply board another flight.
