//------------------------------//
// Dearest Mother 
// Story: Property of the Crystal Empire 
// by TheMessenger 
//------------------------------//

Dearest Mother,

As I've mentioned in my last letter to you, news of my demise has been greatly exaggerated. Seriously, please stop asking for my body. Sorry to disappoint, I'm not returning home in a crystal casket. I'll say this one last time, I'm not dead. A little weak, awfully tired, still recovering from frostbite and a bunch of other conditions I can't be bothered to spell or remember, but I am most definitely still alive. 

I'm not going to ask you to come visit me. Train tickets are expensive, I understand. I was lucky, or unlucky, depending on how you look at it, that my studies gave me this travel opportunity. Speaking of which, please tell me how Professor Tenure is doing, I haven't heard from him for awhile. The last I've heard he was considering quitting his position and starting a new degree in botany. I hope not, I need somepony to edit my thesis and take all the credit for himself, not that I've gotten much headway on this thing. I'll figure something out soon, you know I always do.

Any news from home would be nice, really. I'd love to hear how everypony are doing. The fledgling news publications up here are still testing their wings, so all I know is from whispers here and there by nurses and patients. Is it true we're getting another alicorn princess? Please confirm.

The hospitals here aren't much different from those in Canterlot, in case you're wondering. Don't worry, I'm receiving wonderful treatment, the physicians are all professional, and the gowns even match the curtains. The crystal walls are beginning to hurt my eyes though. If it isn't too much trouble, could you send me a pair of sunglasses. Send me some donuts too, the food here is your usual hospital fare, meaning it's terrible. 

The prince and princess of the Crystal Empire visited me yesterday to make sure I'm alright, so there's something you can brag to all your friends. Physically, I'm fine. Mentally, well, that's a different question. 

This little adventure of mine has been quite the learning experience, and not just academically. First is that this sort of field work isn't for me. Remember when I said I'd never settle for a job behind a desk or in front of a chalkboard? Yeah, don't worry, I lied.

To be a little more serious, there were times when I thought I'd never see you again, and I began to wonder when was the last time I told you I loved you? It's frightening how unpredictable life can be, how easily regrets can pile up. There were times when I wasn't sure if I told you how much I cared. I know we've had our differences, but you were still there for me and everything. 

At least I'm still around to tell you how much I love you. At least I still can. I miss you. I wish I could see you again. It's not fair, how there's so much I still need to tell you, how there's so much I wanted to do with you.

I'm sorry I'm going to miss your birthday, but I plan to stay in the Crystal Empire a little longer. According to the doctors I should be released soon, in two weeks time even, but there's still some things I need to do here. I promised I'd let some stallion take me to see the auroras in the winter. I heard they're quite beautiful. 

I could be here for awhile, so keep in touch. I'll send a souvenir in my next letter.

Love, your daughter,

Sunny