I grew up with both. Anne’s imagination was similar to mine, romanticized, full of details. I reread it under the weeping cherry tree which to me was a lady’s beautiful gown. Laura was naughtier than I was, though I longed to be more mischievous. I loved how detailed the descriptions were and Ma’s cooking. And I still want to drink the cordial. I loved Pa, as by then it was also part of my Sunday night tv. And Matthew. I also loved him, his quiet, shy ways.

And I was never really comfortable around second story windows after that one either. I had both, a basement and upper windows. The thought of Danny Glick just floating out there nearly did me in. I wanted to sleep with my parents but that meant exposing my feet to the creature under the bed.