14/04/2025 

To dearest Evelyn, 

I’m safe here in Peetsurg. And yes, I’ve found Greta. She is live and well. But I still have to journey to Vyed to find my sister. I cannot get a hold of my family there at the moment. They’re the busy sort of people, especially with the political climate of this country. But all should be fine. I don’t think tourists would be in any sort of danger. 

How are you and the girls going holding the ward together without me? Yes. I know! It’s just not the same with yours truly. But have no fear, everyone. I will be back in about a week’s time. And I’ll have knitted you all some caps and scarves. I have so much more time to knit while I’m on this trip. You’ll see everything I bring back. Unfortunately, I can’t bring back Greta. We all knew how low the chances would be. I’ll explain soon. But first let me tell you about this hotel I’m staying at. 

This place is so antique yet gorgeous. The Hotel Mysteria. Even the name is gorgeous! “the place of blessings” they say it means. But I don’t know. It clearly means somethig else in our language. I think that’s what adds to the alure. 

Everything is brown and grey in here, but there is something comforting about the dullness. And I just feel like I’m in good hands with the people that work here. The manager is a classic gentleman. He looks scary, but you just know he will look after you. 

There is this jeweled mailbox out front. The only colourful thing about. And I’m sure they’re in every room, but my room has this desk with paper, pen, and stamped envelopes. That’s why I’m writing to you girls. Isn’t it adorable. If only I had a mister back home I could write to. That would be a dream. But hey, we are nurses. We’ve got too many things to worry about than dreaming of a prince charming to save us. And that’s sort of why I don’t blame Greta if she doesn’t want to leave this place. 

I found her working at the hospital she told us about. Our girl still looks so young and beautiful. I wish I knew her secret to keeping herself so foxy, even after having a child. Oh. About her child. I have sad news. 

Greta told me they lost their little girl soon after the birth. The child was sick and didn’t make it. It’s why she went quiet all of a sudden. I guess she never wanted to have to bring it up with all of us. Our poor girl. I wish we could have been there for her. But I also understand why she wanted to be alone. It must be so painful. I actually knit a toy bunny to give to the little girl. But after hearing the sad news, I thought maybe it would be better to not give her such a sad reminder. 

She is well. Her husband is a construction contractor and has been absolutely supportive. He was heartbroken after their loss, but I think he’s also been keeping the both of them afloat. Such a fortunate girl. When I asked her if she thought about coming back to be with all of us, she refused. Said she had too much of a life here in Peetsurg now. And so, I wish her all the best. 

When I would out of the hospital, a tiny little girl hugged me. I thought she had lost her mother and maybe had mistaken me for her mother. But when she asked me if I had anything to eat, I understood who she was. The poor thing. She must have only been five or six years old. And I couldn’t buy her anything or spare her any change because the only money I had was for my cab back to the hotel. 

It’s such a shame to see forgotten children, abandoned out on the street. And this girl was so pretty. She had beautiful eyes. I almost wanted to take her with me. It’s lucky she was in front of the hospital. I’m sure they would try to look after a little girl like that. 

She was so adorable. I gave her the toy bunny I had knit for Greta’s late daughter. And the girl loved it. She closed her eyes and hugged it tightly. She was so happy with it, I used this to leave and take my cab back to the hotel. 

When I got back to the hotel, the manager was watching me come in. He looked so concerned and asked me where I had been. Kinda strange for the man to be so concerned. But that’s why I think he is just a pure gentleman. 

When I told him about my visit at the hospital to see Greta, the manager kept looking behind me to the outside. Then he looked me in the eye and said he was glad that I was safe and sound. I know. Weird. But I reckon he was just concerned in his own weird, little way. 

Just before I hopped on the lift to go up to my room, I saw something that shocked me. It was the little girl. I don’t know if she followed me, but it was definitely her. She had the toy bunny I gave her. I was kinda of scared. But the hotel manager was holding her hand. He was bringing her inside. Such a sweet man. I’m sure he would have gotten her something to eat. 

This morning, I went downstairs to checkout. I saw the toy bunny I made siting behind the counter. So, I asked the manager about the little girl. He looked shocked that I mentioned her and was speechless. So, I told him that I made the toy bunny and gave it to the little girl. That’s when he picked it up and tried to hand it to me. I told him it was for the girl, but he said that she had left it behind and was now somewhere else better. I wanted to ask him more, but I could tell he didn’t want to talk about it. 

Then the manager asked me where I was going. When I told him I was going to find my way to Vyed, he gave me his stern look of concern again. And then he told me to wait so their drive could take me. I refused, of course. The trip from Peetsurg to Vyed would take half a day. I couldn’t have their driver drive me all the way to the other end of the country. But this manager was so insistent. He said he was worried such a ‘sweet girl’ – yes, he called me that – would run into particular sort of company. 

I wanted to refuse, but he and the other staff were all so insistent they get me there safely. They also told me they knew exactly where the home of the former duchess of Vyed was. I’m surprised they knew, but he told me that they looked after my old Aunty Skana in the past. The manager wouldn’t hear any more from me and said I could use my room for free until the driver arrived. 

I don’t understand why the people of this hotel are so sweet, but I can tell their concerns are genuine. Especially that manager. We are nurses, Evelyn. We can tell who’s genuinely concerned, and who’s up to no good. 

So, now I’m just waiting for the driver. He should be another hour until he arrives. 

I hope I find my sister. You know she’s not the easiest person to handle. I just hope she is safe. 

I’ll be back soon. Wish me luck for the rest of my trip. And tell the girls I miss you all. 

Yours truly, 

Aubrey