The other ornaments all looked at the mantle clock with anticipation.

"The book! The book!" he yelled. Suddenly, the teapot the teacup and the candelabra furiously jumped around at this revelation. "Of course." "Why didn't I think of that." I honestly do not remember who said what, because I was confused.

"What book?" I asked.

"There is a special book of Geroux's where... where... you may find some answers," said the candelabra, trying very hard not to be silenced again.

In that moment, I knew exactly which book they were referring too. The black, leather bound book from the sitting room, that I discovered on one of my early journeys around the house. The book that I forgotten about. The book which I had pushed to the side when I could not read its coded entries. The book that might hold some much needed answers.

Somewhat dizzily, I retrieved the book, feeling its familiar raised and embossed cover of hide. The sinking in the pit of my stomach could not be avoided, for I already knew that I could not read what was written on the pages inside. It was futile, but the ornaments all looked so hopeful. I thought I should at least try.

Opening the book, I could see the same blank front page. When I last looked at the book, the next page was a series of symbols and unreadable squiggles which I found there and filling every page after.

Except this time, the symbols and gibberish from before have now arranged themselves into words that I could understand. I gasped in astonishment.

"Oh my," I let out.

"Yes! I thought you might see it, now," exclaimed the mantle clock. "With a little help from the tea."

"We shall leave you to it," said the teapot, smiling. "You have a lot to read and not much time to do so. Besides, it's getting late. Goodnight, dear."

The teapot and the other ornaments all hopped away onto a shelf to retire for the evening.

"Goodnight," I said, before turning my attention back to the book.

I remember what the first page of writing said:

"If you can read this, you are experiencing either a permanent or temporary affliction mentioned in this book. Do not be concerned, nobody else will be able to read these contents and those who can read the secrets hidden within this tome would never dare tell another soul, for they will be assumed to be of unsound mind."

Unsound mind? I am very far beyond that...

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