Concerning Ends

One cannot help but wonder what follows in the story after the end of a book or film. Where the characters go from there, what events - noteworthy or otherwise - transpire, what deep loves are awakened, and what tears are shed, what graves are dug, what the specifics are. Yet in some way, do we not want to know? For a story with a happy ending is merely a story ended conveniently. Since we do not know what befell them after the curtains close. But do we really want to know? Or do we rather desire to be left with the end of the story and the happiness to be found there? One cannot know for certain. For as soon as one goes beyond the closing of the curtain in the story, the end is passed and no longer truly the end, rather it is a specific point in the story and the riddle then goes on and on. We ought be content with whatever end is given us and accept that as good - for once a good end is passed, there is no guarantee of another.

- Mr. DH