Dear Diary,
It's been ten days since the incident. Last Father wrote, Mother is still frightened and won't come out of her room. She does this often. I mean if someone were to read this diary, then they would find out just how often this happens. Not that they ever will. Father charmed it so that only I could open it. However, this time Mother's episode is different. Normally Mother's outbursts do not last for more than a few days. She will scream and shout until Father is forced to send us away promising that we can come back after he calms Mother down. But it's been ten days and Aunt Cissy says that we still can't go home.
Yesterday Aunt Cissy and I had lunch in her private chambers -roasted peasant, dauphinoise potatoes with steamed vegetables and a thick, rich gravy. Aunt Cissy was so quiet that I found it unnerving to be in her presence. But according to Father, she hasn't been the same since she lost her only son, often floating away into an imaginary world where Cousin Draco would have been alive. I asked Aunt Cissy repeatedly where Rod had gone but she wouldn't respond. I hate being here without Rod. Even if Rod has become strange these days. He keeps telling me to stay alert around everyone, especially our family. He won't tell me why though. Just that he thinks everyone is hiding something big. I offered to try find out what it was but he says not to meddle. I don't really care. I just want to go home.
Until next time,
Valeria
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