Dear Iris Hardridge-Maxwell,

Hello. This is not our first correspondence in writing by technicality, but it does feel that way, so I have decided to treat it as such. How are you? I heard you have been wanting to see me, and by the time you read this letter, the odds of such are admittedly slim. I would have liked to have seen you too, and if we were not able to, then I apologise.

I feel like I have deceived you in some way yet again. I hope you will forgive me.

Thank you for all that you did for me over the last month or so. You and Mrs Hardridge took care of me, looked out for me, and eventually helped me do what I originally intended to. Thank you for believing in me.

I am in the indirect care of Lieutenant-General Marie Elvera while I work as an informant for the Royal Intelligence Bureau. She has given me the opportunity to work towards a better future for Vesmos, while returning the favour to the people who have helped me in my time of need. I will correspond with you every month, and you will receive a letter through the mail. Please write back, I would very much appreciate it.

Not too long ago, when I thought of the word ‘Iris’, I would have undoubtedly pictured the colour, or more reliably the flower. Yet now, for myself and for many others, you will be the first thing that comes to mind. I do not mind this one bit; I think you add a wonderful meaning to the word.

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I know that you only remember yourself since last summer, and your time in this world has likely been one exposed to things a child need not be exposed to, much like myself. I am sure that in that time, we have yet to understand ourselves in even a superficial sense. So I propose something.

Hello. My name is Alistair Harbourman, but my friend calls me Alis. I am thirteen years of age and I am from Vesmos. I have three aunts, two uncles and six cousins, all of whom I have only met briefly but wish to converse with more. I have a friend named Iris and am acquainted with most of her lovely family. I prefer cats, but do not mind well-behaved dogs. I do not like travelling, yet I have not experienced travelling on an aeroplane, so it may be a case of bad experiences. I have an interest in food, but mostly because I wish to try more dishes and find my favourite. I used to think fighting was the most effective path forward in any situation, but have recently found other alternatives and now look at fighting differently. I do not wish to take classes anymore unless absolutely necessary.

I have an interest in friends if my job permits it, but I do not mind being alone. Thinking has become harder recently, as there is more to think about and more perspectives to take into consideration. However, it is a challenge I am willing to undertake. Spending time with my thoughts is not so terrifying for now. Even so, I cannot say for certain that I will ever feel lonely again.

Next time I see you in however many years, it will most likely be for business reasons. However, please show me around your city and around your life as much as you feel comfortable doing. I would like to see how much you and everything around you has grown, and I would like to see if I am still worthy of your trust.

This was a short letter, but I’m afraid I do not have that much time. Say thank you to everyone for me.

Sincerely,

Alis