Thanks again for all the reviews! I'm so glad you're enjoying this story, even though it's also a bit sad.


July 10, 1832

Deer Elsa,

I lik this studees. Mamas teeching me to reed a story abowt a prinses hoo gos to sleep for a lon time. She ses its good for me. It helps my vokaboolaree. Shes also teeching me numbers. I dont lik numbers. Thares to meny to cownt. I wish you cood help me with them.

Luv,

Anna


Dear Anna,

I'm glad you like your studies. I said you would, didn't I?

I know the story you're learning to read. It's called "Sleeping Beauty". It's about a princess who's cursed by an evil fairy and sleeps for hundreds of years until a handsome prince comes along and kisses her awake. They get married and live happily ever after. Do you remember we used to play games like that? I'd be the princess and you'd be the prince or knight who'd rescue me from the monster.

I'm sorry you don't like numbers. I wish I could help you, but this thing of mine – let's call it a curse – keeps me from leaving my room. It stops me from doing the things I love to do with you, like read and play games. Maybe someday, it'll go away enough that I can come back out and play with you again.

Love,

Elsa


Thanks for reading! More chapters coming soon! :)