Chapters (25)

And how do we know that we can trust Pia? I think you should go in there and look for her.

No. I know what it’s like digging into your past, and it is a personal journey.

Okay. Tell me another story, then.

Alright... let me think... another story...

Once upon a time there was a prince that did not want to have feelings, so he locked himself in a little room...

Like the Princess in the tower?

Yes, that’s right.

How original! Did he also happen to have his own dragon of fear?

We all have a dragon of fear, but this prince lived in The Castle of Control and Security. He was afraid of meeting people because he had been hurt many years ago and didn’t want to get hurt again...

11

Is that an 11?

Are you going to ask me the same question at the beginning of every new chapter?

I just wanted to be sure.

Okay.

…

So.

…

How long has it been?

Long, Dragon, very long.

…

Sooo.

…

I’m tired of eating soup.

I’m tired of waiting.

Hey! How are you two? -- Pia’s voice was heard in the distance. She made a triumphant entrance as she landed softly on a rock.

We’re desperate! And souped out!

You’ve been waiting a long time, haven’t you?

Let’s say it’s been long enough. A bit more than that.

Well, you won’t have to wait any longer. Here comes the Princess -- and she started singing again. Her voice was crystal clear and it seemed that the trees, the flowers, the wind and everything else around them was moving to the rhythm of her tune.

The branches moved to reveal the cave opening once more. Deep within the far end of the cave, two silhouettes could be distinguished walking towards the entrance. The Dragon and the Writer were anxious.

Gradually, the silhouettes became clearer due to the light that was shining on them. It was Princess Odai and a little girl; they were holding hands. They finally both came out of the cave.

So who’s this little girl? -- asked the Dragon, getting ahead of the writer.

Dragon, Writer, Pia, -- said the Princess with glee and excitement in her voice -- I want you to meet someone very dear to me. Someone I had completely forgotten about, and that now, thanks to the cave, I’ve found once again... -- Her voice was cracking, she was really overwhelmed. She stopped for a moment and gathered the strength to control the tears and keep talking. -- This beautiful little girl is me.

You?