We're coming to the end of our story tonight, and we would love to know what you would like to hear next.

Head to our website, sleepybookshelf.com, or click the link in the show notes and submit your vote.

Good evening, and welcome to the sleepy bookshelf,

where we put down our worries from the day and pick up a good book.

I'm Elizabeth, your host.

It is wonderful to have you with me this evening,

because tonight we are reading the final pages of the child woman's daughter.

But first, let's take some time to relax. Take a deep breath in in through your nose, and a long, slow exhale from your mouth.

We none of us breathe deeply enough in our day-to-day lives, and it physically calms our nervous system, which is why it's so important to try to find

these moments to breathe when we can. Continuing these calming breaths, really notice how the air enters and leaves your body.

Maybe how your chest and stomach rise and fall with each breath.

And if your mind wanders, try to bring it back to this rhythm.

Don't get frustrated.

Just inhale deeply, inviting in the positive, and exhale out, releasing the negative.

Now bring your attention to my voice as I recap our last episode.

A knock on the door startled Mrs. Make Believe, and she was further astonished to see the large,

looming figure of the policeman in the doorframe.

He came in and sat on the bed, and Mary froze in the corner.

After much nervous rambling about the weather, Mrs. Makebelieve asked him what she could do for him,

and he went on to reveal to her all of Mary's secret wanderings with him,

the lunches at the restaurants and their private conversations. He was claiming to be in love with her

and was asking for her hand in marriage.

...