Dearest Lars,
I'm sorry for not writing back sooner, but I needed to wait until there was more paper, and the weather was too unpredictable to be traveling this winter. I hope you understand.
I hope you'll be doing something nice for your birthday in a few weeks. There is a book in the secret room, next to the north window, on the third shelf from the bottom. It was my favorite when I was about your age. I hid it there for safe keeping. Tell me what you think.
Please give hugs to Inga and Freddy.
With love,
Mother