Dear mother,

I have just received your letter regarding Harriet. I am not so sure I agree with you, though. I think what she needs is guidance, not merely chastising. That sounds like something Father would say! I laugh because I know you disagree with him on child-rearing and education. So, I do not understand your suggestions. I will certainly not talk to Mr. Harrington about her. I do not even understand how you can think that, especially after what I have told you. Granted, he hasn’t looked at me a certain way (yet?), but the fact remains that he makes many of his students uncomfortable with his gaze. Our classmate Anne left school last term because of something that happened with him; we do not know exactly what, but Harriet said they were in a “real relationship.” I do not think you can call it a real relationship. Anne had such sadness about her.

Therefore, I respectfully disagree with your suggestions. I think I will talk to Harriet alone about her future with the kindness that befits our friendship. Anything less would be unacceptable.

I hope I have not embittered you, dear mama. I still regard you as the wisest woman I know, even if I do not always follow your advice.

Your daughter,

Little bear.