12/01/2025
To dear Harrison,
I am safe.
The matters that troubled us before have finally gone to rest. That man is nowhere to be seen, and I’m sure that I am free.
And so, I tell you again, my love. I am safe.
At this moment, I am here at this strange hotel in Peetsurg. So, yes. I am in Bzalnia. But do not worry. The hotel offered to let me stay for as long as I need. I can feel that the strange manager of this hotel knows the complexity of my situation. He told me, “Take refuge here! We will protect you.”
He must know of the man I was to see. The man organized an escort to pick me up at this hotel to take me to Mooskan. But thank the heavens that all of that was disrupted.
A horrible storm rained over Peetsurg last night. And that storm was my blessing. Our blessing, my love.
Please come here to Peetsurg. I know I ask this all of a sudden, but there is a big bright future here for us. I believe that storm was our blessing.
Last night they told me that nobody would be able to enter the city, that roads had grown too dangerous. So, there was no way for that escort to get me.
It was the most relief I had had for a long time.
I had a somewhat of a scary moment last night while I prepared myself for the meeting with that man. Somewhat scary. I’ll explain.
The power at the hotel was hindered by the storm, so I had to use candles for light. Even in the bathroom, while preparing my face, I had to use a candle.
I tried to practice my smile. I was not happy for this meeting with this man. Why did my father force me to go see this man? It seems that money was all Father cared about, and not his own daughter. He knew I was not happy to do this, and last night that unhappiness truly haunted me.
I don’t know if the candlelight was to blame, or if I was just losing my mind. But I will never ever forget what I saw last night.
I don’t know if I saw my own face in the mirror or not. I’m sure I saw my very own face in that mirror, but I also knew that the reflection could not have been me. Because when I practiced my smile last night, the face in the mirror was only frowning back at me.
I checked if it was my imagination or not. I touched my face, raised my cheeks with my fingers, I even revealed my teeth in a big smile. But all I saw in the mirror was my face in complete sadness.
I got scared and ran out of the bathroom. I knew what I saw. It didn’t make sense, but I was sure of what I saw.
I didn’t have long to think about it. I was soon due to see that man. So, I had to go back into that bathroom to prepare myself. My reflection was back to normal. I was able to fake my smile.
That hotel manager seemed suspiciously happy to tell me that a storm had overcome the city, and that I had to stay indoors. Strange fellow. So, as I returned to my room, I noticed this writing desk.
There was paper, pens, and envelopes stamped and ready to mail. What an out-of-date practice letter writing was, I thought. So, I didn’t bother last night. I was just relieved that I didn’t have to go.
This morning felt completely different. I heard nothing but good news all day. Some news even for you.
I don’t know if this is related, but I’m sure it is. Last night, Bzalnia’s most notorious and wealthy, sex and slave trafficker was arrested. He was arrested at the same restaurant I was due to see that man at, and at around the same time too. I have no idea what that man looks like, nor his name, since I had never met him before. But I’m sure it was him.
Think about it. Why had my father so quickly arranged for me to leave the country to live with some rich man. That man must have tricked my father. But I’ll be honest, I’m scared this all happened for another reason. What if my father sold me?
He pretty much did, if we think about it. And so, I have not made plans to reach out to my family yet. I’m not sure if I ever will, considering the circumstances. Being out of the country might be my saving grace I didn’t know I needed.
This morning at breakfast, the strange manager gave me some interesting news. He told me that one of the main building companies here in Peetsurg needed a new accountant. It was so strange because I had not once mentioned to him, or to anyone in this country, that I had just finished my studies for accounting. It was as if he somehow knew. And then he also mentioned that that company was looking for new builders and carpenters. He gave me the address for their head office. The strangest part is when he told me that he was close with the head real estate company of all of Bzalnia. I can’t tell what he was hinting at. That the work would be promising, or that he could find me somewhere to live. But he made sure to say one thing nearly every time I talked to him.
“We will protect you.”
Please come here to Peetsurg, to find me, Harrison. I plan to stay here at this hotel for another two weeks, at least. There are opportunities here for us both. For us to start a life together.
Come here so we could at least talk. And if I do return back home to Naldo, I don’t want to go alone.
When I went to freshen up my face just earlier before I started writing, I had another scary moment. Well, somewhat scary. While I entered the bathroom, I saw that my reflection was odd again. It was only while entering and getting close to the mirror, did I see something that didn’t match me.
The reflection I saw in the mirror was full of glee. I was not smiling at the time, but I swear that the face I saw in the mirror was.
I was only scared for a quick second. Because, hey, I am happy. And maybe there is something more to the mirrors in this strange old hotel.
I want you to see it. The dull and old yet comfortable theme, the letter writing desks, the funny mailbox outside, and especially the strange manager.
Come here soon. We have so much to talk about. And I miss you so much, my love.
Love,
Lucilia!
P.S.
When I went outside to go to the funny mailbox, I noticed that I could not find any trace or evidence of a heavy storm.
There is no dirt or debris, no damaged buildings. Nothing. All is clean.
But at least it is possible to now enter the city. All the roads are working as normal.
I’ll see you soon.
Diaries of the Moonlight Hours 