Elsa knocked on Anna's door.
"Yes?" Anna asked from behind the door.
"May I come in?" Elsa asked. "Just to talk."
"Oh, of course," Anna said, opening the door.
Anna led her over to the window, offering one of the chairs.
Hans was away on a trip; Elsa had watched him board the ship and sail away, so she knew it was the best chance she would have to talk with her sister for the time being.
"How are you?" Anna asked.
"I'm well, Anna," she replied.
Elsa wasn't sure exactly what she wanted to ask next. Anna was smiling, but it seemed forced. Anna had lost some of the sparkle she once had; even when they were separated for so many years, Anna had seemed more cheerful than she seemed after only a few months of marriage to Prince Hans.
"Elsa?" Anna asked. "Have you been busy, or are you avoiding me?"
It felt like a punch in the gut.
"I'm not avoiding you, but I'm not so busy that I couldn't try to make some more time for you. I'm sorry, Anna."
"It just seems like…"
"How have you been?" Elsa asked, not sure which answer would be worse.
"I suppose I'm fine. Marriage isn't what I expected, but I'm not sure what I was expecting now."
"Anna, remember, any time, you can come to me, even if I'm busy."
"Are you sure?" Anna asked. "I really don't want to be a bother."
"You won't be a bother, Anna. And… and I'd feel better if I could teach you how I do things around here. I'm not saying you have to come right now, but-"
"Yes, I'd like that," Anna smiled. This smile was real.