June 15, 1511

    My name is Anacaoda and I'm 12 years old. I live in Tetzcoco with my parents and three siblings. The weather has been colder lately, which is a blessing since the Aztec empire has mostly wet and tropical climates. I hope that this weather will continue since I am sick of the heat. I bought this diary with the money my father gave me at the marketplace today. My father is a merchant who sells fruit. 

March 15, 1512

It's my 13th birthday. My parents and relatives made so much food and treats in celebration. There will be many ceremonies in honor of my 13 birthday, as I am old enough to get married now. I was gifted scrolls of parchment, pens, and ink. I'm so excited to draw and write with my new equipment, and really hope that I don't spill my ink before I get the chance to use it.

November 19, 1512

I heard my parents talking about an arranged marriage. Given that I'm the only sibling currently unmarried and of age to be sent away, I'm assuming that they were talking about me. Even thought I know that these marriages are normal in our community I don't want to get married to some man just for my parent's convenience. 

January 15, 1513

I refuse to marry a man that I have never met before and have no connection to. I plan on running away before the date that I am to get married, which is my birthday. I would rather die than get married to this guy, even if he is from a well off family.

February 23, 1513

My parents figured out my plan. I'm still unsure of how they did it, considering that I only told my closest friend and oldest brother, but I think they overheard me telling them about my plan. The torch lit ceremony to signify my marriage will take place tomorrow night. Although the fine robes and clay that was made for my marriage is beautiful and expensive, I still dread tomorrow night and know that I won't be able to sleep tonight.

August 20, 1515

It's been more than two years since my marriage and I'm slowly learning to live with my husband. He is a nice man and my life is easier now since he is from a wealthy family. Although his family is expecting me to give birth soon, I think I'm ready to have kids with him. Even though most women get pregnant within the first year of marriage, I have been sick and unable to conceive. I hope to get pregnant soon so that I don't let my family down.