Despereaux marveled at his own bravery. He admired his own defiance. And then, reader, he fainted. :( - Kate DiCamillo

The world is dark and light is precious. Come closer, dear reader. You must trust me. I am telling you a story.

Stories are light. Light is precious in a world so dark. Begin at the beginning. Tell Gregory a story. Make some light.

Her mother called to her. She said, "Where are you going, Flora Belle?" Flora didn't answer her. She never answered her mother when she called her Flora Belle. Sometimes she didn't answer her mother when she called her Flora either.