The Lost Letters of Aisling

by Cynthia Ellingsen

“Life will try to take things from you, to see how strong you are,” my grandmother liked to say. “Don’t let it. Find what you want, take it with two hands, and don’t let go.”

“Beauty doesn’t always show what’s below the surface. Isn’t that the theme of all fairy tales?”

“Fear is the greatest weapon people use to get you to do what they want. It can be a powerful thing.”

“I think the things that we hide from others are more about a fear of being honest with ourselves,”

“Well, your grandmother shaped who you are,” Tia said. “Losing her is like losing a piece of yourself. A blueprint of your heart.”