The Atlas

For Honeymink - Margaret


I trail my fingers over the words, pausing every so often to mutter under my breath. This is magic – yes, here, this is true magic. Towns and cities, countries and rivers, borders and oceans – all laid out under my very nose!

Why, I can see from England to the East Indies from my very own library. Which is not my very own, not anymore, but Mama has firmly forbid me from focusing on that today.

If my sex forbids me from adventures, then I shall use the page: I shall depart and arrive in ink, and none shall dissuade me.