What is more surreal than an explanation of where we are so far? Who are these characters? What is their story? Why does any of this matter?

You might choose to skip this chapter. There’s no magical revelation here. Only speculation, innuendo, and uncertainty. The witless insanity of a depressed creator; the shameful ideas of a hapless free spirit.

Who is Nazo Yamauchi? Why does it matter that his Chinese wife, Biyu Liu, is dying and dead? Why are the troubles of a Catholic priest, son of Polish immigrants, relevant to this story? Or conspiracy theorist, Alex James? Or Grace Riddle, teenage high schooler?

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I suppose it seems obvious that you will “soon find out”!

The best way to put it is that these people are all establishing their identity, but are also about to have their beliefs and their identity tested. Or maybe that’s a misdirection. Or a hopeful sentiment.

And what does any of this have to do with Mandela?

But friends, patrons, Romans... lend me your ears. The door is not cracked yet, but soon will. The light, soon, will cast upon your room. The sounds, like bees in the distance, will evolve into a cross country steam engine, deafening even the most sheltered ears.

After all, these - thus far - are just episodes. Just glimpses into the lives of people you’ve never met. People you’ll never meet. But their story is important. It’s relevant, even if you can’t understand it right now. So, keep at it, amigos. Keep reading. Keep pushing. Keep turning the page.