Chapter 1: A Soggy Salzburg Morning

The misty dawn air clung to the stones of the Von Trapp estate like a damp shroud, casting a grey veil over the usually vibrant colors of the gardens and courtyards. Fraulein Maria, the young and vivacious governess, stirred in her bed, feeling a bit under the weather. She had spent the previous day outdoors with the seven Von Trapp children, playing games and singing songs, despite the threatening clouds. Now, as she lay in bed, her throat felt scratchy and her body ached all over. As she tossed and turned, a faint tickle in the back of her throat gradually grew into a persistent itch, making her want to cough. She reached for the glass of water on her bedside table and took a sip, hoping to soothe her parched throat. Just as she was drifting off to sleep, a loud, wet sneeze escaped her, making her sit up with a start. "Ach, nein!" she exclaimed, throwing off her covers and swinging her legs over the side of the bed. She rummaged through her dresser drawer for a handkerchief and blew her nose, trying to stifle another sneeze. Her eyes felt gritty, and her head was spinning. After a few moments of quiet, Fraulein Maria decided to get out of bed and start her day, hoping that a warm bath and a strong cup of tea would help alleviate her symptoms. She dressed quickly in a simple but practical outfit and made her way to the kitchen, where she found Frau Schmidt, the housekeeper, busily preparing breakfast for the children. "Guten Morgen, Fraulein Maria," Frau Schmidt said, eyeing her with concern. "You look a bit...peaky. Are you feeling all right?" Fraulein Maria smiled weakly. "I'm just a bit...under the weather, that's all. A cold, I think." Frau Schmidt nodded sympathetically. "Ah, poor thing. You should take it easy today. I'll get the children ready for school, and you can stay in bed with a hot cup of tea." But Fraulein Maria was determined to carry on. She had promised the Captain and his children that she would take them on a fun-filled day of outings and activities, and she wasn't about to let a little cold get in the way. As she sipped her tea and nibbled on a piece of toast, Fraulein Maria heard the sound of footsteps approaching. It was Liesl, the eldest of the Von Trapp children, with a big smile on her face and a sparkle in her eye. "Fraulein Maria, can we go on our outing today? Pleeease?" Liesl asked, her voice full of hope. Fraulein Maria hesitated, unsure of what to do. Part of her wanted to cancel the plans and spend the day in bed, but another part of her felt duty-bound to carry on with her responsibilities... As Fraulein Maria pondered her decision, she felt another sneeze building up inside her. She tried to hold it in, but it was too late. A loud, messy sneeze exploded from her, covering her handkerchief in a fine spray of saliva and mucus. Liesl giggled at the sight, and Fraulein Maria couldn't help but laugh too, despite her discomfort. "Ach, entschuldigung!" Fraulein Maria exclaimed, blowing her nose again. "I think I'll just have to take some extra precautions today, that's all." Liesl nodded, still grinning. "Don't worry, Fraulein Maria. We'll take care of you. But can we still go on our outing?" Fraulein Maria smiled, feeling a surge of determination. "We'll see, mein Kind. We'll see..."