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Chapter One

Samuel got up earlier than usual that morning. He had always hated getting up so early when he was young, but it had become part of his routine as he grew older. He was still lost in thought when the kettle began to whistle, pulling him back to the room. He poured himself a cup of tea and dragged himself to his cluttered desk. The ice patterns on the windows became visible as the darkness outside lifted. After a few sips of hot tea, he put pen to a yellowed piece of paper and began to write.

"In a land far, far away..."

"Wait, wait, wait... Are you writing a new story?"

"Yes," Samuel said.

"Then why don't you start with the classic 'Once upon a time'?"

"Because this is a modern story. Would you please not interrupt? And anyway, who are you?"

"I'm the reader," said the voice.

"The reader? You can't be the reader. I haven't even written the story yet!"

"I know that. Just pretend I'm not here. I won't bother you."

"Fine, but I don't want to hear a single word."

"Don't worry. Not even a peep."

" Am I clear?"

"Crystal clear. Can I just ask you something before you start writing the story?"

"No," Samuel said.

"Just a quick question."

"I said no."

"Okay... I'll just wait."

Samuel shifted in his chair. "Listen, man..."

"Reader. Remember I'm the reader," said the voice.

"I don't care who you are or how you got into my head. Could you please shut up? I can't write if you're talking!"

"I know. Sorry. Just one more thing. Could you scoot over a little bit to the left, so I can see what you're writing?"

"No, I can't, I'm left-handed and if you don't shut your mouth I'll do it myself."

"Got it. That won't be necessary. You're the boss here."

"I like that better," Samuel said, raising the cup of tea to his leaps. He took a last sip and read aloud, "In a land far, far away..." Soon, an avalanche of ideas flooded his mind and he continued to write.

The picture belongs to Customs and Built: