For Louis

To my dearest Louis, By the time you read this, if you read this, we will have left for your Uncle Bastian’s. Your father came back for us just as he promised, and we are setting off together to the Sleeping Eye Mill. Your sister is with me now, tucked close, and I am holding your scarf as I write. You are so brave, my love. I want you to remember that. We are proud beyond words, and every step we take from this house is for you. Bastian and his friends at the mill are waiting for us, and after we’ve found them, we will all travel to the Chateau together to be with you. You will hopefully never read this letter, or by the time it does reach you, we will already have been long reunited. But if for some reason we do not meet again, know that you are loved more than anything in this world. You have always been our joy, our laughter, our good heart. Be kind. Be clever. Stay safe. You are the man of the house now. With all my love, Mama P.S. If you see Bastian before we do, tell him not to burn the stew this time.