Where Do You Go When the Story Doesn’t End?

Sometimes stories end because the book is actually finished. Others abruptly stop because the reader has fallen asleep. But sometimes the story keeps going simply because it's developed a mind of its own, leaving you to keep turning the pages without noticing.

This book is about the third kind.

Lesson One: Doors

When you come to a door, you usually go through it. If the door is locked, you might try another one or come back later. But in instances where you cannot find a door at all, the story quietly makes one for you.

You do not need to choose the door. The door can choose the version of you most capable of using it.

Lesson Two: What Happens to Other Children

When a game ends, the children who were playing do not disappear. They go home, and they cry. They also remember you. You will not go with them because this page is not about that.

This page is about the child who keeps reading instead.

Lesson Three: Why You Don't Remember the Other Pages

If you remembered every ending, the story would quickly become too heavy to carry. The book helps you by letting the extra pages fade over time. You may feel lighter afterward or (in some cases) strangely empty. Both are perfectly normal reactions to have.

Do not worry if the pictures seem fainter than before at any point. That simply means you are still inside the book.

Lesson Four: Fairness

Some people may ask whether it's fair that one child keeps going while another does not. But the book does not know what fair means. The book only understands how to continue.

If you are reading this sentence now, know that you are continuing.

Lesson Five: When to Close the Book

You do not close the book when the story ends. You close the book when there are no more pages that can safely contain you.

Should that ever happen, you will no longer be here to read this line. So for now, turn the page.

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Publisher's Note

This text was removed after educators frequently reported “persistent unease,” “identity confusion,” and “children asking where the other versions went.”

Correction issued: The phrase “the book helps you” has been replaced in later editions with “the book ends.” No other changes have been made at this time.

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Letter I: Concern Regarding Assigned Reading

Dear Curriculum Committee,

I am writing to ask whether Where Do You Go When the Story Doesn’t End? was ever thoroughly reviewed for age appropriateness.

My child enjoyed the book but has begun asking questions about “other children who don’t get to keep going.” I assume this is metaphorical, but I would still appreciate some clarification so I can reassure them properly.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

A Concerned Parent

Letter II: Follow-Up on Classroom Materials

To Whom It May Concern,

Since last week, my child has been unusually quiet and keeps rereading the same pages in the book. They asked whether people “notice when you turn into a different version of you,” something I do not recall ever coming up in our household.

Please advise on how this text should be framed during instruction. I’m sure this is a misunderstanding.

Best,

———

Letter III: Request for Removal

Dear Administration,

This book has been causing great distress in our household.

My child was inconsolable last night because they believe someone else is “left behind” every time "something bad" almost happens. They also asked me who remembers those people.

I truly do not feel this is an appropriate topic for children. Please remove the book from circulation.

Respectfully,

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Letter IV: Escalation

This is my third attempt to receive a response.

My child is no longer afraid, which I actually find significantly more alarming. They now say things like, “It’s OK, this page still works,” when hurt or upset.

I don’t know where they learned to talk that way, but I have my suspicions. I expect immediate action.

———

Letter V: Final Correspondence

I understand the book has been withdrawn as of this writing. That is not enough.

My child asked me yesterday whether I would still love them “in the other draft," and they were eerily sincere about it. They also seemed deeply disappointed that I didn’t understand the question.

Please confirm at your earliest convenience that all copies have been destroyed. And please do not reply with empty reassurance or attempt to tell me this is normal curiosity.

Just tell me it’s over.

Internal Note (Never Sent)

We stopped reading the book together, but sometimes I still hear them turning pages alone.

They don’t cry or ask questions anymore. They just keep reading.