The Wide World

The Letter

I wore a blue-plaid dress, that was soft and warm. When I got down stairs, it was dark.All except for the soft lamp that mama used to read. I quickly ran over to the lamp, but, to my surprise, mama was not there! I didn't know where she was.

All of the dark curtains were flung across the windows, because dad thinks that they look good in our house. I personally don't think that, though. I could hear the chilly Sweden November air whipping outside. Today was almost the same as the day when Charlotte left us. I sat down on a chair crying because thinking about Charlotte usually made me cry.

When I finally looked up, and had calmed myself down, I saw a slip of paper on the birch coffee table, which was very unusual because mom and dad do not believe in paper!

I picked up the paper, and read, 

"November 2nd, 1949

To my family,

The wind is whipping around here, and it is very crazy, the work is hard, but just the right amount of challenge. I miss you guys so much, and every day I feel like crying because you aren't here with me. I have made many friends here, and most children are at the same educational level, as me. I hope you all are doing well, and I have to say that I am doing very well too! Yesterday, the head of the school was handing out tickets! They only let us take one, so I will have to decide who can come with me next semester. Mom, Dad, Linn, Eva... thank you for all you have done for me in the past years, and I promise that I will be back for Christmas.

Love you all so much!

Charlotte"  

I gave out a loud "Phew!" and got up. I searched the area for a piece of paper. Looking under the cupboards, and in all of the drawers. I found one, finally, under one of the couches.

"Thank goodness mom and dad didn't throw away all of the paper, otherwise I wouldn't be able to write Charlotte back!"

Suddenly, I heard someone walk into the kitchen. I quickly put the letter behind my back, and peered into the kitchen.

I saw mam working on making a delicious breakfast, and my stomach began to growl.

"Mama... did you see Charlotte's letter?" I asked.

She jumped, and responded, "Oh... Linn, I didn't see you there! No, did she finally write one?"

"Sure! Here it is!" I said, cheerfully.

My mom gasped, and read it thoroughly. She then came over to me, and gave me a giant hug, which I don't think was necessary.

"Mom... can I write her back?" I asked, eager to communicate with Charlotte.

"Sure, Linn! If you can find a piece of paper!" she said, still sounding surprised.

I took out the piece of paper that I was hiding, and grabbed a pen from the counter.

I began to write, "Dear Charlotte,

This is Linn. I was relieved when I read your letter, and I am very glad that you are safe. I am also very happy that you can get such a great education! I wish I could get the same! There was only one ticket, though. I wake up in the mornings and run to your bedroom still! Only if you were still here. Days aren't really different, and I hope I can come with you next semester. We love you so very much, and can't wait to see you near Christmas time!

Sending many hopes, love, and joyous laughter's!

Linn"

I then wrapped it up, and ran out the door. The wind was getting chilly, and winter was near. Soon I would have to do lots of chores due to the coldness outside.

I ran to the place were the mail-carrier stops to pick up packages, and I was just in time to catch her.

She stopped, and said, "What do you have today?"

She said that because I usually send letters to my fellow friends, in Poland.

I stuttered for a moment, and said, "A letter for my sister."

"That's very kind of you. She must miss you!" the kind lady responded.