Dear mother,

Please forget my last letter. I regretted it the instant I gave it to Father to post it. It was petty and unlike your little bear. I now understand how hard these last few months have been on you — Father explained grandmamma’s situation in detail yesterday. The way I spoke to you has weighed on me since. I would appreciate your forgiveness but do not expect nor demand it. See how much your little bear has matured in your absence?

Harriet thinks so, too. Ms. Keyes accompanied the both of us to the theatre a few nights ago. Oh, mother, it was brilliant! Superb even! We saw a production of the play that shall not be named (you must know to which I am referring) lest tragedy befalls us. We certainly do not need any more of that. Harriet and I composed ourselves and almost completely avoided laughing in the foyer. Hence why she is certain we are now young yet mature ladies. Ms. Keyes worried about our behavior during the play, but we proved her wrong. We were simply enthralled by the performance!

The day after, Lawrie and his aunt visited us again for tea. We played some chess — finally an adequate opponent — and time passed rather merrily. Even Father smiled a time or two. He must be proud of my chess playing.

The school has been the same.

Your repented daughter,

Little bear.