I opened the box and read Carlisle's letter.

"Folletto,

It's been much too long since we met in the canal that day. I do often think of that day and I long to come back and visit. Would you find that pleasurable? I look forward to getting a letter from you.

Carlisle"

My letter was next. I was amazed by the script. It hadn't changed much.

"Carlie,

I was quite pleased to recive your letter. I too find myself thinking about that day you pulled me out of the canal. Indeed, I would find a visit from you incredibly pleasurable. I hope your travels have taken you to many wonderful places. Here, time passes lazily by and I feel as though the tasks I do are mundane and pointless. I hope to see future correspondence from you.

Chailyn"

Our letter went like that for a few months. All of them dated and innocent. I came across a different letter.

"Folletto mio,

I miss you far too much. I find most if not all of the time, my thoughts are drawn to you. I greatly enjoyed my visit to you those many months ago and I do desire to make yet another trip. This trip however would be the last I'd make. Should you desire this visit, send word to me and I shall plan the trip.

Carlisle"

The last he'd make? What had I done to make Carlisle write that? I quickly grabbed the next letter.

"Carlie,

If you only intend to make one last visit, permit me to request that it be on the first day snow falls. I have long loved the sparkle of snow and just the thought reminds me of you. The cool of your skin, the sparkle in your eyes, it all brings you to mind. I find myself yearning for your company, though the request seems desperate. But, I truly am in a state of desperation to see you.

Chailyn"

Wow. Oddly romantic. It didn't sound like me. It sounded older. It sounded like a different person.

"Folletto mio,

Of course I'll permit you to request the day of my visit. Snow in Italia is lovely. It can't compare to you and how beautiful you are. I find you to be like a rose. Beautiful, taking away all words and breath with your presence. But, dangerous when underestimated. Love, snow is still weeks away yet. Can you bear to wait those few weeks? I shall continue to write to you. Nothing could stop me from sending word to you.

Carlisle"

Wow. Who knew Carlisle was a closet romantic? Just reading his letters took my breath away.

"Carlie,

Your last letter was beautiful. Such words, they sent shivers down my spine. Your comparison of me to a rose seems unfair. A rose is the epitome of beauty inside and out, and it can't be true. Beside you, my beauty pales. Will you tell me of your travels when you visit? I'm sure you've seen amazing things. I wish I had the chance to travel to as many spectacular things as you have. Your last letter was dated from Paris! I tried many a time to imagine what it must be like, but found I could not.

Chailyn"

Paris. Pictures showed such beauty. The history was amazing. I had never been there.

"Folletto mio,

Here there is a blanket of snow. I find myself eager to make the trip to see you. Is there snow in Italia yet? How I hope there is. My comparison to you of a rose was unfair indeed. You are of course more beautiful than any rose. Forgive me for such an error. You wish to hear of my travels? If that is what you want to hear, then I shall tell you. Yes, my last letter was indeed sent from Paris. The nights in Paris would excite you. The mornings in Madrid are beautiful. The more travels I make, the more I find myself missing the rolling hills and lush green of England. Of course, London is busy. Prehaps I shall take you one day.

Carlisle"

Carlisle really had been everywhere. Paris, Madrid, London. It was no wonder he was such an amazing doctor.

"Carlie,

Italia has yet to see snow. I find this rather vexing as I wish to see you. Oh, my darling, there is nothing to forgive you for. I do wish to hear of your travels. Paris, Madrid and London. They sound wonderful. You'd take me with you? Really? That would be a dream within itself. The window seems to have frosted. I expect it shall snow by the time you receive letters from me.

Chailyn"

"Carlie,

There is snow up to the bottom step of our porch. I could not be more thrilled. Your visit will be soon. Send word when you shall begin your trip.

Chailyn"

"Folletto,

I was greatly pleased to hear it had finally snowed in Italia. You can't possibly imagine how impatient I have been to visit you. I shall leave tomorrow on the one o'clock train from Berlin. You may expect me to be with you in a week. I know this shall distress you, but you must believe me when I say that it will be worth the wait.

Carlisle"

Carlisle's letter made me smile. I faintly remembered this time in my life. The frosted windows, the heavy, long coat for winter, the warmth of milk.

"Carlie,

You should arrive any day now and my heart swells with excitement. I miss you far too much I fear. My hand often starys to the frost on my window. It's cool to the touch, but it fills me with warmth. Your presence will warm me even more I'm sure. The whistle of the afternoon train has become like music to my ears and I eagerly run to the station in hopes of seeing you step off the train. The train pulls away each day and my face falls and I sigh. Oh, Carlisle, I am so excited to see you. Though, it saddens me that this is to be your last visit.

Chailyn"

Suddenly I remembered standing in a chilly wind, cold stinging my cheek. Snow surrounded me. The train slowed and stopped. Excitedly, I held my breath. People got off and people got on. The train pulled away and I sighed sadly. "Excuse me, Miss. Can you lead me to the household of Miss Chailyn Dimora?" A gentleman asked. "Certainly, sir. I am Miss Dimora. Who might you be?" I had asked. "Why, don't you remember me, Chailyn?" he asked me. "Carlisle!" I exclaimed. He laughed. "Good to see you, Chailyn." He said. "I can't believe it's really you!" I exclaimed. "Were you expecting someone else?" He asked. "Of course not. Come, everyone is waiting for us at home. You will stay with us, won't you? Mother has already prepared a room for you." I said. "Of course I'll stay with you." He said.

I stopped thinking about it. "Did you enjoy the letters?" Carlisle asked. "Yes, but I can't remember some of the stuff following the train." I said. "Would you like me to tell you?" He asked. "Please." I said. "What do you remember last?" Carlisle asked. "You saying you would stay with us." I replied. "Well, we walked back to your house and your mother helped me settle into the guest room. Then she had you help with dinner. I helped you and your mother clean off the table. We talked while you did dishes. The next day we had b reakfast and I joined your family on an outing to the park. Then you went to the store for your mother and I escorted you. We came back and had lunch. I talked yo your dad and that night, we went out and I proposed to you." Carlisle said.

"That was the night before you left." I said. "Miele, I didn't leave. I was in Volterra and I forgot about what I had said. I'm so sorry." He said. He grabbed an envelope and handed it to me. "Open it." He requested. I opened it.

"Chailyn,

I'm so sorry. I realize you will either never get to read this, or never forgive me. I do understand if you choose to ignore this letter and cut me out of your life. But, remember that I love you. I travelled to Volterra, not telling you, not because I no longer cared for you. It is because I cared for you that I didn't tell you. This has become a deep regret in my life. If by chance you do read this and have moved on with your life, I hope you will at least grant me the privilege in being a part of your life. Whatever part that may be.

Carlisle"

I sat and let Carlisle's letter soak in. "I had no idea you felt that way, Carlisle." I said. "It's true. This letter is the most emotional and honest of anything I have ever wrote." Carlisle said. "I do have a letter I wrote that I never sent you. There's a whole set of them." I said. "May I read them?" he asked. I nodded. "Jasper, could you go get me the bundle of letters sitting on my dresser?" I asked. "Of course, Darlin'." He said. He ran and brought me the letters. "Thank you, Jazz." I said. I handed Carlisle the letters. He read them. I stopped him on the last letter. "Read it aloud." I requested. "Alright, Chai." He said.

"Carlisle,

Have you forgotten me? Do you no longer hold any love or feelings for me? I'm lost. You l;eft me and gave me no warning. I kept hoping you would return or I would get a letter explaining your disappearance. I hope you can understand my disappointment. Carlisle, I'll always love you. Nothing will ever change that. Whatever caused you to leave, I hope you find what you are looking for. You had such an big impact on my life. I'll remember you forever.

Lovingly yours,
Chailyn."