The other day, as I sat down for a much needed break, there was a commotion outside my front door. There was a lot of chattering, and an occasional thump, and I figured it must be a bunch of stories hanging out. They didn’t sound as if they needed anything, so I slid down in my seat, out of view of the window. If they think I’m not home, maybe I’ll get a few moments of quiet.
“Heeeeey!” Thump.
No, I’m not here.
“Heeeeeeeeeey!” Thump.
Five minutes, just five minutes.
“Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey!” Thump.
I peeked over the back of my sofa and saw one of them jumping up and down, trying to look inside my window. It saw me before I could duck, and squealed. It of course told the others, and soon they were all jumping up to the windows and banging on the door.
“Is it important?” I called out. “I’m resting.” They assured me that it was. I told them I’d be out in a few, and slid back down in my seat. The chatter quieted. I had bought myself some quiet time. How long until they caught on?
Oh, about thirty seconds. They were quite impatient, and the jumping up to my window bit resumed, along with firmer knocks. I peeked over the back of my sofa again, and found them looking in through the window, quite indignant.
“All right, I’m on my way,” I said. The chattering turned to muttering.
As I opened the door, they all greeted me at once, and each one tried to explain what all the fuss was about in their own way. Imagine if you’re trying to read two different books, watch three different TVs, and listen to five podcasts and three songs all at the same time. Your brain is melting just thinking of it. That’s what this was like. Stories can be overwhelming when presented all at once. When this happens, it’s best to be firm as quickly as possible.
“Hold on! One at a time!” They quieted down. “You.” I pointed at the story that had first been looking in my window. “What is going on?”
The story launched into a breathless explanation about wanting to visit the keep all of a sudden, with the other stories echoing their agreement.
“Well, there’s a new world coming, so that’s not surprising,” I replied. The stories began whispering to each other. Then they finally told me: the signpost has a new sign.
I smiled. “Well, then, it won’t be long now.”
Why don’t you go check out the signpost for yourself? It doesn’t have the exact name of the world yet, but it will have a hint. And once you’ve seen it, feel free to follow the other signs to one of the worlds that’s already open.