Emily is raised by her father who encourages her to always follow her heart and dreams. But when her father dies leaving Emily all alone she has to be raised by one of her relatives, none of which want her. She hides under the table as they draw lots to see who will have to raise her. Aunt Elizabeth is drawn and Emily is sent to live with her, Aunt Laura and Cousin Jimmy at New Moon.

Emily moves to New Moon and Aunt Elizabeth forbids her to read or write fiction. Pandora, Emily's cat, is left on the side of the road by Aunt Elizabeth. After finding some old 'Letter Bills' in the attic, Emily uses the back of them to write letters to her father.