Author Becomes Character (Revised version)

I blinked against the sudden brightness and slowly opened my eyes.

"Good morning, Anya," Mother greeted cheerfully as she lifted me from my bed. "Happy birthday!" she beamed, twirling me around with excitement.

As the months went by, I slowly started to piece together their language. Some words still sounded weird and unfamiliar, but I was learning. I’m actually kind of proud of myself for picking up a second language in this world—if that even counts as a thing.

Mom greeted me right away because we had started sleeping in the same bed after that weird thing was discovered in the castle. They said it was just a goblin that slipped out of the magic tower near the castle. But seriously, how clumsy could the guards be to let something like that in? I don’t really know what happened. Some people whisper it was an assassination attempt, which is why they suddenly decided we should share a bed.

News flash!

I am now officially 1 year old!

I can walk, I can talk a little, and I kind of understand their language—look at me go!

"Good morning, Mom! Good morning, Dad!" I said, stretching my little arms like a tiny sleepy bear.

"Anya is growing up so fast," Dad sighed dramatically, his voice dripping with mock sorrow.

"Seriously? She's only one year old," Mom teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she rolled her eyes at Dad’s antics.

Dad raised an eyebrow and gave me a mischievous grin. "Before you know it, she’ll be running off to join the royal army, leaving us behind," he said dramatically, placing a hand on his forehead as if heartbroken.

Mom chuckled, giving Dad a playful shove. "You’re being ridiculous. She can barely walk without falling over."

"True," Dad said, glancing at me with a smile that was equal parts proud and amused. "But look at her. She’s got that determined look. One day, she’ll be leading armies and conquering kingdoms." He looked at me like I was some sort of tiny legend in the making.

I gave him a serious nod, trying my best to look like I was plotting my future conquest.

"Well," Dad continued, still pretending to be overly dramatic, "if she’s going to rule the world one day, I guess I’d better start preparing her for a crown." He gently tapped my head with his finger like I was already a queen.

"Right after she learns to walk without tumbling into the flowerpots," Mom added with a teasing grin.

As they continued their playful banter, let me fill you in on what I've been up to over the last few months.

Well, during the past year, every time the maids left me alone with my pacifier, I took the chance to exercise my limbs. By five months old, I managed to flip over like a little gymnast (I know, impressive, right?). That’s when I started practicing crawling and, eventually, walking. So now I can walk, but I still need a little help. I can only walk with an adult because, well, if I lose my balance, I need someone to catch me. It’s a work in progress.

But hey, I’m getting there! Look out, world, here comes Anya, the walking, talking toddler!

Aside from that, during the course of the past year, I've learned a lot about the world. Such as;