When I first wrote this story, I started it with the text you'll find below. This little mini-prologue was meant to introduce the idea of the omnipotent narrator. A mysterious person telling the story of Henry Becker in Paradise. Something I've heard confuses a lot of people. I wanted this story to be a sort of in-universe text being read by someone who is also in Paradise. I went on to scrap this idea later. The reason I removed it is because it was kind of spoiler-laden for what was going to come later. Since we've now gotten past a lot of those, I'm going to include the chapter here.

Hello, reader. If you have found this manuscript abandoned someplace, then I am likely dead, cliche I know. That might surprise you, depending on how long you've been here in hell, or, as I am fond of calling it, Paradise. It's a name that doesn't fit, but I've found a little bit of irony can help lift the spirit in this hellish place.

If you are still reading, I want you to know I am sorry. I was like you once, and I know just how difficult surviving in Paradise can be. You may find some small comfort in this book. A good friend once told me, There is a life to be had in paradise if only you just look. I believe these words to be true. I hope this story may help you see it too.

If you are very new, you're likely confused. Again, I can't blame you. I have lived through this, and others have before me. You will as well. I've watched this place for some time, and I have seen a great many things. Horrors beyond comprehension and wonders just the same. I may be the oldest one who still remains. It is hard to know for sure now.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

If I'm being honest, I don't know why I decided to write this. I acknowledge it's foolish. Things in this place just don't have longevity. Truly, if these words have outlived me, it is a miracle. Yet I am still hopeful that it will find someone who can get something out of it. If that is you reader, then I encourage you to read this in its entirety. You may find the answers you seek within.

This particular manuscript is the story of some people I knew long ago. It is a story of triumph and also of suffering. Yet the story is unique among the many I know. Those featured in it have done things that I don't think any others could have accomplished. In many ways, they were pioneers.

When I sat down to write the story, I found myself struggling to decide where to begin. There are a great many ways the story could be told. I decided it was best to begin with Henry Becker. For those new to Paradise, the story of Henry Becker might strike a chord. If so, I hope you can learn from him.

I suppose I should mention that I have decided to title this manuscript: The Place Where Skeletons Dance. After all, dancing skeletons is all we are. Live in Paradise long enough, and you'll realize it too. As I said, our story starts with Henry Becker before he ever came to Paradise. Before, he was a hero.

A fun little introduction to the world, but one that I've made basically non-cannon. Still, it gives you some context for the origins of the story. I thought it was neat enough to be worth sharing. I have some other scrap concepts I might share later.