I’m sitting in my house, looking out the window. It’s a cold night... “perhaps the coldest of all nights”... I will never forget that. Yeva has just fed my eight grandchildren. Can you believe it? Eight grandchildren! Yeva has probably told you that we got married. I did have my doubts, but he really is a charming man, and he finally convinced me. He is my true prince charming.

These years have been the most wonderful years of my life. I’ve had good times and bad. Gotz was very ill, he’s okay now, but he almost died, and during that time I always remembered Zoe’s words: “Your attitude towards life is what matters.” I can’t remember if those were her exact words, but they have drastically changed my life.

I am now the sick one, Writer. It is very hard for me to concentrate and I forget things easily, but in general I am okay. Looking back, I know I have lived my life. I didn’t waste a single moment, no matter how sad or terrible it seemed.

I cried when I had to cry and suffered when I had to suffer, but I also laughed as much as I could. And you know what? That is my greatest joy, knowing that I lived everything in its moment. I don’t rush things and I let life happen at its own pace. I know what’s coming next, but having so profoundly enjoyed my life... has earned me the right to peacefully die my own death.

The Dragon is here with me and so is the Turtle. They have been very helpful throughout my life. We know we will all go together when I die, but for the first time ever, the Dragon is not afraid. We all miss you very much.

Anyways, I just wanted you to know this: I have been very happy! And I thank you for what you did for me. For changing chapters around and for waiting so long for me outside The Cave of the Past, for the deliciously soft woolen blanket that you left for me on that rock, for the apple tree, for the warm day that you gave me when I left the tower, for writing me and allowing me to live in your imagination. Thank you! Don’t ever forget me, because no matter where I go, I will never forget you.

I love you, Writer.

I folded the letter. I was crying... but I was happy.

A story-book-ending feeling came over me when I heard a voice nearby: