My dearest fans and friends,
First, I want to apologize for any anxiety that I’ve caused you.
I must admit, I didn’t think of anyone but myself when I went into hiding this past Spring. And I regret that deeply. I was so distraught that it never occurred to me that you would notice my absence.
My problems began on Groundhog Day, when my estranged sister, Marjorie, was found near death in my burrow. I spent every waking hour with her as she recuperated from premature awakening from hibernation. It was extremely difficult for me, seeing her fight to survive and knowing that this could have been prevented decades ago.
After Marjorie left hospital, I found I could not shake my exhaustion. But I had another, even more serious problem: I felt as if I had no purpose in life, anymore. For the past three years, I’ve had rehearsals to go to and performances to do. It was a whirlwind, what with waking up from hibernation every year and having to get fit enough to begin rehearsals and then perform for months on end. But it was my life and, even more than that, it was my love. I am never so happy as when I am performing for you, my dear fans. And, to be honest, I’ve known little else since I was young. But, suddenly, I found myself without any plans in that regard. I was free as a Bird—something that many might relish—but I do not. I cannot live without a purpose, yet I was too exhausted, mentally and physically, to find one. And all I could think about was the scourge of premature awakening and all the threats to my fellow hibernators and to other species. To put it simply, I could find no joy in my life, so I retreated from it.
I’d like to thank those close to me who noticed my despair and suggested that I seek treatment at the Extinction Anxiety Clinic. The help I received there was invaluable. It allowed me to understand the cause of my despair and it opened my eyes to how much work must be done by us all if we want to survive. I owe a debt of gratitude to all the Clinic’s staff.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Thisbe and the Barkettes, who intuitively understood what I was going through and who were supportive of me throughout. I can never thank you enough, but I will try.
In the coming weeks, I’ll update you on my future plans. I just want you to know, dear fans and friends, that you are once again in my thoughts and that you are important to me more than you could ever know.
Ta-ta for now.
Yours always,
Millicent
