adult world is messy in a way that's hard for kids to fathom. and kids grow to know why adults lied and didn't keep their word. the marginalisation of kids' emotions and consequences of disappointment are cruel, but that story didn't live to give away that message clearly. that's why i find short stories really challenging to write. you gotta do your best to deliver within few pages. rare are the ones who do. i haven't read any, yet.