DISCLAIMER: I do not own the Chronicles of Narnia in any way, shape or form. I make no profit from this story.
2: Edmund
My dear Ed,
I think yours is the hardest letter to write. I thought I would have lots to say to you, but as I sit here at my husband's desk, with Lucy's letter neatly folded in the envelope in front of me, I find myself rather lost for words. I have so much to tell you, but I cannot seem to find the right words with which to express it.
I suppose no letter would be complete without telling you how much you meant to me when you were here. I know we didn't always get on as conventional siblings, but after our stay with Professor Kirke, you were much changed and I feel I was closest to you. You could always tell if I was feeling upset, for whatever small reason, and you never failed to cheer me up. Despite your continual leaping on my bed and waking me up at five o'clock in the morning when we were teenagers, we became very close, and I'm so glad of it.
It's very hard sometimes, Ed, when things get tough. I find myself wanting to vent my feelings to you, because of how you understood me so well, and I can't. My husband doesn't understand me in the same way you did, but I can't talk to you and I can talk to him. I hope you don't mind being replaced ever so slightly in that regard, Edmund. Of course, no one can replace you, but when it comes to talking, I have to rant to somebody, else I'll go mad. I'm sure you understand.
I can see your photograph on my mantelpiece as I write. It's in the middle: just to the right of Lu's and on the left of Peter's. It's one of those pictures that Jill Pole took when she was practising for her photography course, but you're not quite looking at the camera. You're looking beyond it, at something else behind the lens, laughing. Yours is probably the most natural picture. I remember you got distracted at the last moment, just before Jill was about to take the photograph, by Peter pulling a face at you, and it made you laugh. So there's the picture: you laughing and looking at Peter, who's just out of sight of the lens. I know Jill was terribly put out to start with at you 'ruining' the picture, but then we convinced her to print it anyway. You've got your hands in your pockets and you're wearing my favourite white shirt with your braces. It's a stupid thing to keep, but I still have those braces.
Peter always used to nag you to buy a new pair, do you remember? You've had them since the second time we went to Narnia, and you wouldn't get rid of them. You always were a stubborn old thing. And now, I suppose, I shall have to tell you about my conclusions about Narnia. I expect you've already read Lucy's letter (you always have been terribly nosey), but I shall tell you again. I find myself now unable to dispute solid memories, however hard I try. Also, dear Ed (I have not written this to anyone else, so please do not share it), some peculiar things have been happening recently that I cannot seem to explain without bringing in our times in Narnia.
I am very confused, Ed, and I wish more than anything that you could be here with me. You always knew what to do in a crisis. I would tell you how much I wish to see you with your own family, but you never struck me as the marrying kind. Even when we grew up in Narnia (if, indeed, that was the case), you always made me laugh at your loathing to consider any young ladies who were interested in seeking your hand. Perhaps you would have changed by now, but who knows. A very large part of me highly doubts it.
I can almost see your face as you read this letter, although I know that's impossible. I can see you smiling your lopsided smile and laughing as I tell you about keeping your braces. You never laughed enough; we, your family, were the only people who really got to see you. I wish you would have smiled more often. You looked lovely when you did.
And now you will be telling me I am getting soppy, and I suppose I am. I wonder if you can see the dried tear marks on the paper. Much as I don't want to end this letter, there is not much left for me to say, only to bid you farewell in the same manner as Lucy. I pray Aslan's protection over the three of you.
I miss you terribly, Ed.
Forever your sister,
Susan
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