[Tronno]

From what I recall, it's not stated that the family who takes in the boy are cannibals. That could be one interpretation, I suppose, if depression is your goal.

But if you take them at their word, they're "carrying the fire", so the story gets a hopeful ending.

Perhaps that's what people find uplifting about it.

[oilchange]

> From what I recall, it's not stated that the family who takes in the boy are cannibals.

It isn't explicitly stated, but it is heavily implied. I gave my reasons to another comment.

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=36326924

> That could be one interpretation, I suppose, if depression is your goal.

It's a work of fiction. Nobody died. Nobody starved. Nothing to get depressed about.