"False narrative" is an inaccurate description. Genesis was written some time in the mid 1400s BC, and much of it is a product of oral traditions while some is revelation of the Spirit. This is a book to an ancient audience with an account of creation they could understand. God couldn't explain photons to them because they didn't know what photons were.
We also need to apply the rigorous discipline of hermeneutics. Whether we like it or not, sometimes our English translations have screwed up a few words or verses. This isn't the fault of God, or any translator, it's just the inevitable consequence of translating ancient Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic into a modern language that is very different. Some Hebrew words have different possible meanings. For example, "aleph" could mean "thousand," OR "tribal head" (this could blow away how you've always understood Numbers).
The point is that the Word of God is the MESSAGE, not the literal words on the page.
Seems simpler to just accept what He says and who He is, than to create highly contrived speculations
The problem here is that Young Earth creationism is the most highly contrived speculation! You're operating under the false presumption that Young Eartherism is the default interpretation of Genesis. It isn't. The Bible never gives a specific date for the 7 days, but Young Earth Creationism is a relatively new phenomenon, the product of a 19th century 7th Day Adventist "prophetess" named Ellen White.
The Old Earth interpretation of Genesis was actually the default position of Christians dating back to the beginning. Interestingly enough, they even pre-date scientific discoveries of the age OF the Earth.
Don't rule out the "apparent age" theory in the Young Earth Creation explanation. When God created the first man, he didn't begin with an embryo but a fully grown man, ditto the woman. The mistake some people make is that they think they NEED to explain Scripture based upon whatever the science at the time can determine. What we know is that man's understanding of the natural world is limited just as the words used to describe that understanding. "Facts" determined by scientists can and do change. God's word is eternal. It stands REGARDLESS of man's current knowledge. Our goal should be we believe what God says by faith and we don't lean unto our own understanding.
If He had wanted to explain photons, He easily could have. Even modern day physicists are now recounting their understanding of photons.
Remember, the Genesis account is of creation, not evolution and creation is different than the making of things.
It only takes a smidgen more faith than no faith whatsoever for a saving faith.