Michelle Kane

The only good thing to have happened since your departure is that since the creature's abduction, I once again feel rested when I wake.

Unfortunately, I am still not waking in the same place I fell asleep.

I scarcely dare to commit all of this to paper and even now doubt Claus and my reason.

Just this morning, I awoke lying in the garden in a state of undress which was very unbecoming.

There were scratches all over my body, as if I had fought against something with Claus.

All around me were large white feathers, such as the one I have enclosed with this missive.

Ophelia, please respond to me soon and tell me there was such a feather still enclosed with this letter when you receive it.

If nothing is there, or if something other than a feather is there, I do not know what I shall do.

There is no explanation for what is happening to me.

That is not too grotesque for me to entertain for more than a moment.

I am rather happy you are away now, Ophelia.

Perhaps I should demand that you stay away for your own safety, but I cannot do that.

I miss you so, sister, that if, once you get home, I am not to be found, do not call out for me, do not look for me, and do not stay within these walls.

See, I am not alone inside myself anymore."

Sometimes, as if the thoughts in my head are not my own, I catch myself staring at my reflection, as if I were a strange thing being studied by something apart from myself.

If I gaze too long at my own eyes in the looking glass, I see a depth there that it should not be, with galaxies swirling inside.

I have stars in my eyes now, Ophelia.

Until we meet again, should an owl alight on your sill, please do crack the pain so that it can come in, if it must.

I feel that is where I went wrong.

Ever yours in trembling devotion, Lee