The words got away from me the page before. I'm sorry. But I tell what's on my mind, that's how the book works.

I'm such a blatherskite. See? I have all these words. I have that one for me, but none for you. What do you call yourself? Not your name. I can know your name. But what are you?

Duende.

I found the word for you. No, no! Don't put it through a translation device! It doesn't translate well...

No, I did not call you a goblin or an elf. Duende. You know when you hear beautiful music or see a wonderful piece of art? And that feeling that wells up inside of you like... passion? That's you. That's the feeling I get when I see you. Duende. Lovely, isn't it?

I'm... not so sure what to say anymore. I think I might have another story for you if you like. Just know, I don't want to bore you, just let me know if I've rambled... Again.

I hope you've had the opportunity to walk through a forest. Any forest. When it's so quiet, you want to scream to see if anything reacts, but you don't because it feels like the trees are sleeping and who would want to wake a sleeping beauty? I guess I would wake you, to talk some more. But it's hard for a small book to wake up the reader, you're the one who does the waking around here. And just so you know... I love it when you wake me up.

But the trees! And there's a slight breeze that makes their limbs breathe in and out, slow and steady. The leaves rattle and the flowers and grass beneath tickle your ankles. Have you ever read a book in a forest? There is something so natural to this, I personally think. I hope the book feels as if it's returning to its roots, back where it all started. I wonder if the trees know what wondrous things their ancestors have created. I would be proud to be a tree.

I would be proud... I am proud to know you, witnessing your small moments of sensitivity and humanity. You are very soft, you know that right? Oh, come on. I know you might think you're tough but even a soldier takes their armor off to catch their breath. Unless... they're in the middle of a battle... There's no time to breathe. They're exhausted and can't rest until the enemy is vanquished.

Oh... That's why you're so tired. I've said it before; I see the weariness behind your eyes. Let me tell you a secret: you can rest now. Let go of your shield. There you go. I'll hold it and keep watch while you sleep.

I can be quiet while you rest. I'll always be here, don't worry. Why would I abandon you, you amazing person? As you read me, I read you, but only through your eyes and, oh, I can see how broken you are. Don't worry, my dear, you're safe here. And I'll keep you safe.

shhhh... don't disturb us. we're fighting battles you know nothing about.