Epilogue: Questions Asked and Answered (Some, at Least). A Final Trip to Empis.

Summary

• The narrator, a former character from Empis who now teaches English in Chicago, reflects on his journey to Empis and its aftermath, concerning readers with unanswered questions.
• He reveals he has since graduated from university, written a renowned essay and now lectures about mythology. He still wonders about the fate of characters and places he left behind in Empis.
• The narrator shares that he owns the reincarnated version of Radar, the dog he knew in Empis. He also admits to telling his father about Empis soon after his return, highlighting his use of physical proof to convince his skeptical father of the truth.
• Although hesitant, his father agrees to take a trip to Empis with the narrator. As they journey through the portal, his father grapples with the surreal experience, ultimately conceding to the convincing reality of Empis.
• Upon their return, the narrator and his father decide to permanently seal off the connection to Empis for the safety of both worlds. They pour concrete over the entrance, marking it with Radar's pawprints.
• His decision to isolate Empis provokes internal conflict in the narrator, who deeply misses the magical world and its inhabitants. However, knowing the potential harm that could come with intertwining the two realms, the narrator resolves to maintain the separation, despite his longing.
• The narrator mentions the dreams he has of Empis, particularly of Red Hope. He hopes his own future children will inherit the house, ensuring the tale of Empis lives on in the stories he will tell them.