I can hear you loud and clear! -- answered Zoe.

And in two rapid movements the dragon grabbed Prudence out of the Princess’ pocket and put her in front of him, using her for a shield.

Do you really think you can hide behind a turtle, Dragon? -- asked Zoe.

This lady is looking at me -- whispered the Dragon almost inaudibly.

My name is Zoe! -- she yelled from inside her house.

Okay! -- shouted the Dragon. -- This lady, ZOE, is looking at me... -- and then he whispered -- or she’s spying on me... or something. How does she know what I’m doing?

Because I know dragons of fear like the back of my hand -- said Zoe, still inside. -- Come in already!

We all went into her house. The Dragon hesitated for a moment but he finally dashed in.

I don’t know what I’m more afraid of: leaving, staying, waiting outside, coming in... We all looked at him. Don’t judge me, it’s my nature...

Sit down, Odai -- said Zoe.

How do you know my name?

I know everything -- Zoe smiled. -- Tell me what you need. Tell me what you want.

I thought you knew everything... sorry.

There are things that one needs to hear even if we already know what they are, Dragon -- said Zoe. -- Do you know why I talk to myself?

‘Cause you don’t have a choice?

Sometimes it’s necessary to say your thoughts out loud so that you can hear them.

I don’t understand.

How often do you talk to yourself, Princess? -- asked Zoe.

Constantly. I’m always thinking and I ask myself things and I answer myself.

Good, and... how often do you talk to yourself out loud, Princess?

Never.

There’s quite a difference -- said Zoe. -- Thoughts are abstract. Sometimes, when you say them out loud, when you say what you think or what you feel out loud, it forces you to give form to your thoughts. And when you can actually hear what you think or what you feel, it seems clearer you can understand yourself better.

I hadn’t thought about that.

We need to talk to ourselves quite a lot. We are the only ones who will be with ourselves our whole lives. Why don’t we take ourselves into consideration and talk to ourselves? -- asked Zoe. She was happy and chatty. -- Sometimes it’s healthy to say things out loud, Princess. Our fears, our doubts, our dreams, and it’s also good to answer ourselves out loud because that way we understand ourselves better. Then, when you least expect it, you’re having a wonderful conversation with yourself and you realize that you actually like yourself... that you’re really fun! -- She chuckled and gave a deep sigh -- Ahh! I like myself. I’m so pleased to know me.