I didn’t put much thought into how it had ended up tucked under my pie plate at the diner.
Another Stranger?
I was pleased to receive your letter. I was fairly certain I wouldn’t receive anything in response to that mess I sent before. Sorry about that, by the way. Not my finest work.
Am I to assume I am the first stranger, if you are “another”? Fine, at least I am the first. If you prefer to keep your identity a secret, I’ll respect it. I like your style, I have always loved a good mystery. I shall call you Stranger 2.
Questions, you say? Ask away. Your response found me quickly, so I’m hoping this one finds you quickly as well.
I have questions of my own. Are you a witch of some sort? Is that how your letters have made their way to me? And why me? Have we met before? I’d assume so, if you’re going to go through the effort of casting a spell, or paying someone else silvers to do it…
I must thank you for your words, and for your response. You have no idea how much I needed a kind soul, an encouraging word. So, this is me saying thank you.
Now, if this message somehow finds you again, though I have an inkling the fates will make it so, I hope your days are peaceful and your fortune is better than mine is right now.
Be well,
Stranger 1
P.S. It was certainly not ale. Yuck. That’s disgusting. I prefer ANY other beverage.
“Whatcha got there? Message from family?” the server asked.
I startled at the sound of his voice, quickly folding the letter back up and shoving it in my trouser pocket. I didn’t know his name, and I didn’t particularly care to learn it. He was polite enough, and that was plenty.
“Sure, something like that,” I responded. “Anyways, thanks, for–” I gestured at the now-empty bowl in front of me. “–all this”. I stood and placed a coin on the table.
I glanced around the diner to see if anyone had paid particular attention to me reading the letter, or for someone to be stifling laughter at having fooled me. I didn’t see anything except for folk eating normally.
Shaking my head in exasperation, I hurried out of the diner.
From that point forward, the letter exchange continued.
Stranger One,
Your letter has found me once again. I must say, this correspondence has been surprising. Not unpleasant but… unexpected.
But not bad.
No, I am not a witch. I am not a magic user of any kind. Am I to assume you are a witch, then? It is rather strange how our letters have managed to be delivered back and forth. That will remain a mystery, unless you have some sort of explanation. I’m afraid I have no answers.
I am glad that my words were able to bring you a small amount of comfort. I’ve been bringing the folk around me nothing but pain and suffering lately, so it is a nice change of pace.
All the best,
Two
P.S. It is blasphemy that you think ale is disgusting. I can only assume that you have an underdeveloped palate.
Two,
If you are not the magical force behind our correspondence, It seems that the fates have pulled us together.
I’m certainly not complaining. I don’t have the silvers to spare to send letters, so this is lovely. (I truly hope you are not spending silvers on this, or I will feel a bit stupid).
No offense, but I think you are a liar. There is no way that you bring nothing but pain and suffering to those around you. You offered kindness to a stranger you had never met, so that doesn’t add up.
Do you have a family, Two? I do, sure, but they aren’t around much anymore. If ever. I suppose my neighbors have become my makeshift family. I would love to hear about yours. Hopefully it is full, and loving, and wonderful.
