As Carter turned the page, a small piece of paper fluttered to the floor. He bent down, picked it up and unfolded it.

To Mr Dodgson, I have no doubt that the tales told by your friend Alice Liddel are very likely true, however I have no interest in continuing my research due to family concerns. Should I ever have an interest in looking into this at a later date, I shall send you a reply as soon as I feel obligated.

Your Friend,
Michelle (J.M.Barrie) Darling

Carter wandered silently out of the room, the letter grasped in one hand, the book held in the other. He made his way down the stairs and re-entered the drawing room. He sat in a chair and read the letter again. And again. Words seemed to leap off the page at him
Alice Liddle.
Continue research.
He felt his eyelids begin to droop as the words floated aimlessly through his mind. He slumped back in his chair, asleep, the name Dodgson still lingering in his mind.

"Carter? Carter? It's time to wake up dear." Carter sat up ridged. Ms Carson was tapping him on his shoulder. Otto jumped onto his lap and purred excitedly. Carter sleepily scratched behind the animals ears. He placed the cat on the ground and followed Ms. Carson out into the dining room. "Whe-where's grandpa John?" He yawned.
"Morning!" Called a voice from the entrance hall. Carter ran out to see John sliding down the banisters with his legs dangling over the edge. He quickly sped to the bottom.

He laughed at Carters puzzled expression. "I'm not as frail as your parents think. But let's keep that our little secret." He tapped the side of his nose with his finger. The pair sat down at the table as Ms. Carson tottered into the room with two plates of steaming scrambled eggs.
"I'll be in the kitchen if you need me." She said with a nod.
"Beatrice please join us breakfast. Does it not get lonely all cooped up in the kitchen?" John asked, stirring a cup of tea. Carter hadn't seen where the tea had come from.
"No, not at all Mr. Darling." Ms. Carson said leaving the room.
"Gets lonely in here." John mumbled, sipping his tea.

Carter went to pick up his fork, before realising he still had the letter clasped in his hand
"Grandpa?" Carter asked. John looked up at him.
"Hmm?"
Carter hesitated. "Do you know a Mr. Dodgson?" He asked. John sat there in thought.
"Not that I can recall, why?"
Carter repeated the letter in his head. "I found this letter in the library to a Mr. Dodgson about research and an Alice Liddel."
"Ahh," John said, avoiding Carters eyes. "You're uncle was determined we couldn't be the only ones to visit another world. He was in contact with other authors who believed the same."
Carter starred at his grandfather. "The stories are just fiction right? About Neverland and fairies and stuff?" He asked. John opened his mouth to speak, then closed it. The pair finished their breakfast in silence.

Carter left the table and walked back up to the library, Otto close on his heels. He entered the room and sat down at the desk, wiping the dust from the books and pages. He sneezed, sending an envelope fluttering down to the floor. He bent down and picked it up. Shining up at him in emerald green letters was an address. "Mr. Charles Dodgson, 15 Daresbury, North Yorkshire." Carter said aloud. He went to scrunch up the envelope but thought the better of it. He found a blank piece of paper and a pen, and began to write.

To Mr Dodgson,

I am writing to inform you that Michele Darling will not be continuing research anytime soon. I however am quite interested in learning what this research concerning Alice Liddel. If you could reply to this letter as soon as possible, that would be great.

Sincerely, Carter Darling (Michele's Great Nephew)

Carter folded the letter and placed it in the envelope. He sealed it and trekked down to the drawing room. John was sitting in his chair reading a book. Otto ran past Carter and nuzzled the old mans leg. John looked up at his grandson. "Grandpa," Carter asked tentatively, "Do you know where the nearest post office is?" He asked. John raised an eyebrow. "This isn't about that Dodgson fellow is it?" He asked. Carter uncomfortably shifted his weight from foot to foot.
"Yes." He said flatly. John thought for a moment.
"Down the road, two streets to the right and the fourth building on the left." He sighed. Carter started towards the door. "But Carter," John said. Carter looked back into the room. "Don't start messing around with things you don't understand." He finished. Carter nodded slowly, grabbed his jacket and walked outside.

The rain had gotten heavier since the previous night. Carter pulled his hood low over his head and walked down the street. He hoped the stamp on the envelope was enough to get it to Yorkshire. He wasn't sure when the envelope written, so he didn't know if it was worth the same nowadays. Knowing his luck there probably wasn't even a Dodgeson living in 15 Daresbury anymore. He shrugged the thought away and continued on his walk.