[ WP ] Everybody who turns 25 learns a reality shattering secret about the world . Nobody has ever leaked this secret to somebody under 25 . Today is your 25th birthday .

`` What the hell!'' I yelled as the oldest of my brothers whipped off the duvet, exposing my naked butt to the world and ruining my birthday lie-in. 
 
 `` Dude. I've waited too many years for this.'' he laughed. `` I've just got to be the one to tell you'' 
 
 `` Tell me what, asshole!'' I laughed, reaching groggily for yesterday's underpants on the floor. 
 
 `` That secret. The one no-one will tell you till you're 25!'' 
 
 `` What about it?'' Now he had my full attention, undercrackers totally forgotten. 
 
 `` Are you ready for this..?'' 
 
 I nodded, hating the guy for spinning this out. He was enjoying my ignorance way too much. This could go on for days. `` What?!'' I yelled at him, swiping at his face with my dirty tighty-whites. 
 
 `` Uegh! Dude! OK. Get this. I'm serious now OK.'' 
 
 I nodded through gritted teeth. 
 
 `` Up until yesterday, you, and every other kid your age had the power to take us all down with a single mind trick. Anyone. Anywhere. You could have hypnotised us all. Used it to empty sweetshops, toy shops, international banks, everything. too late now though. It'' s worn off. 
 
 `` What!'' I stammered. `` Why did n't you tell me before. We could have cleaned up!'' 
 
 `` Sorry chum'' was all he said. `` Could n't risk it. That knowledge in one so young could only lead to disaster. Sure we could have gone into it together but in the end you'd have fried my brains too the first time I disagreed with you about emptying the local gun store for example. Could n't let that happen. Sorry'' 
 
... and then he walked out laughing and left me stunned, still clutching my smalls and the knowledge of a totally wasted childhood. 

