Stories are light.

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An excerpt:

"Why would you save me?" Despereaux asked.  "Have you saved any of the other mice?"

"Never," said Gregory.  "Not one."

"Why would you save me, then?"

"Because you, mouse, can tell Gregory a story.  Stories are light.  Light is precious in a world so dark.  Begin at the beginning.  Tell Gregory a story.  Make some light."

And because Despereaux wanted very much to live, he said, "Once upon a time..."

~ From The Tale of Despereaux,
written by Kate DiCamillo