By Any Other Name

  ~Ana"

  Novellana normally used her full name when she signed her letters, but this little bit of anonymity gave her comfort. After all, she really knew nothing about the people to whom she was writing.

  She continued to check the mail daily for news from Jochawk and she continued to be disappointed every day for a week. The answer to her re-delivered post card came in a pale blue envelope, addressed simply to Ana. It was at the very bottom of the stack of mail, and it gave her a little giggle to see it. Suddenly she wasn't so concerned that she hadn't heard from her school. She dumped the rest of the mail on the kitchen table inside and hurried to her room to see what the mysterious traveler had to say about her accidental faux pas.

  "Ana,

  Paul and I greatly appreciate your forwarding the post-card on to him. I appreciate it more, though, as he'd never have believed I even knew what Westminster Abbey was if I hadn't sent post-marked photographic evidence that I'd been. To answer your question, I read Emma during my travels to England. Perhaps if you write back to me and tell me that I absolutely must read Pride and Prejudice I'd have to give it a go, but so far I'm very disappointed with Ms. Austen. And while we're on the subject of must-reads, have you read anything by Piers Anthony? It's a completely different genre, but I have a feeling you might enjoy it.

  I did enjoy my trip to England, though I imagine it would have had more significance if you had been there to tell me how lucky I was to go. Being reminded of why all those famous sites are important would have been nice, too. Paul would have come, but someone had to stay behind and take care of the old man. If you get the chance to go, I recommend you do, you seem much more deserving of such an adventure than I.

  Well, I hope to hear from you again. Cheers!