Well, dear reader, I am sick. When I went to market last week, I was so dizzy I nearly fell into Mrs. Hume. Goodness, I was most embarrassed, but she saw how pale I was, felt that I had a fever, and quickly walked me back to my cottage where I promptly went to bed and slept the whole day through. So it seems I’ve caught a bad cold, though I rather think it has caught me for I have no desire to be ill, and so close to the holidays too…
Still I have been so touched by the kindness of those around me. My friends are certainly doing their best to make sure I am taken care of and I am most grateful. Goodness, someone seems to check in on me every day, bringing homemade cold remedies and more food than one person could possibly eat… it is so kind and very helpful, for I have had little energy. I was able to scratch out a short letter to Auntie Ember and Lettie telling them of my situation and of my plans to rest in Greenwood for Wysolice… and well, the foreseeable future. Lorenz has offered to take it to the post office for me tomorrow; another act of caring I must remember, as I hope one day to return all the favors.
Though being ill has made me feel rather strange, and I worry, more forgetful. I suppose it isn’t unexpected, but… for instance, when I woke up the other morning I meant to clean my work table. I remembered having been too tired to straighten it out the evening before, but then I saw it was already done. And another day the dishes were all put away, though I could have sworn I left them on the table the night before. I did not think a cold could make me so absentminded as to forget doing all the chores, and I think it is safe to assume my mischievous Flame has not suddenly developed the ability or desire to clean up. Strange, but all the same, it is nice to find my tasks have already been completed.
And dear reader, I’m having the oddest dreams while being sick, with tiny tapping feet, soft twinkling eyes, and occasionally the jingling of merry bells. Perhaps the silly creature from the forest has come back to visit me and has brought some friends with him. Or perhaps there are mice in the cottage, and maybe I am mixing up sleigh bells with those of the golden goat. Goodness, still, they make for funny dreams and, while I have been inside with no strength for anything much besides sleep, they do make resting more pleasant.
Oh, I feel I have so much to do! I hoped to be working on gifts for family and friends right now, but my cold has put a stop to those plans. So I guess I shall do my best and get well soon, that way I can get back to work. Until then, I hope I have more silly dreams to enjoy, of little feet patting and tinkling bells by the snowy window.