Eleanor thought her day would be normal, as it usually is, until one of her books started talking. The book in question started talking when she pulled the book unceremoniously from its perch with a swift yank.

“Easy there, miss! Could you please be a bit more careful?,” the book said, causing Eleanor to gasp and fumble with the book in her hands. She quickly grasped it again, to which the book said, “Thank you for not dropping me. I would rather not have anymore pitfalls, thank you very much.”

Eleanor eyed it with much apprehension and curiosity, and ventured to say, “You..can talk?”
“Of course I can! Am I not talking right now?”
“It’s just that, well, you haven’t said anything until now.”
The book laughed. “It’s a well kept secret.”

It became quiet again, and Eleanor poked the book, hoping to get a reaction out of it. When the book would not reply, she sighed, and put the book back on the shelf.
“I suppose that’s what I get for eating too much couscous before bed.”