Right now, all I can physically say is thank you for reading my story. I'm blown away that you dedicated so much of your time to joining me on this journey with Petar and Jem. I consider it an honor, and so again: Thank you for coming this far with me.

But the story, as we so abruptly saw in the last chapter, is just beginning. Take a deep breath. Take a break from reading. Get a hot cup of coffee. It's the middle of the day here as I write this, a cold, rainy December day. But the house is warm, that wintry chill banished to the far-off world of Outside. But you, you may be reading this anywhere, at anytime. Maybe it's late at night, or early in the morning, maybe summer, maybe winter. Maybe you've been reading this over breakfast. Wherever you are, I hope you're warm and comfortable. And if you're eating breakfast, I hope it's the best breakfast you've ever had.

And wherever you are, take a break from me and my words. Because when you're ready, I'm afraid I must ask one giant, imposing favor from you: Join me again as the journey continues.  

It's been a pleasure traveling with you so far. I only hope we can keep in touch. It's a cold, rainy world out there (at least from my windows), and nothing is more comforting than a friend.

Thank you.

Eli Nixon