I stumble over my thoughts when I consider how best to explain how I unlocked the book.
I sat in front of this page a full hour before I set pen to it.
It was not so much the same five letters that I saw over and over – though I am so familiar with them now.
But it marks the first time I heard the voice. And I felt myself to be the object of some watching presence once again.
The voice did not address me. On the contrary the impression grew that I was being allowed to overhear what was said.
My comprehension was immediate. I saw the “letters” as the steps to manipulate the lock open.
I followed them. And saw the pages within at last.