*This chapter is a real life diary entry by Maria*
19 April/2 May, 1918, Ekaterinburg
[In spring of 1918, Papa, Mama, and I were moved to Ekaterinburg while my sisters and brother remained behind until my brother recovered from a bad bout of swelling. To Olga, Tanya, Nastya, and Lyosha: ] Christ is Risen!I kiss you tenderly three times my darling. My health is better today, but am still lying down. The others walked for an hour in the tiny garden, and were very pleased. The barrel has brought water, so now Papa can have 9 litres for his bath before dinner.I rocked with Nyuta [Demidova, Mama's maid] on the american swing and walked up and down with Papa. Mama is lying on her bed today, she is a little better, though her head and heart still ache. We have been asked to make a list of everyone who will be coming with you. I hope we have not forgotten anyone. We have to explain the presence of each person who is with us. Oh how complicated everything is now. We lived so peacefully for 8 months and now it's all started again, I feel so sorry for you having to pack and arrange everything alone. I hope to have news of you soon. May the Lord keep you. Masha
