September 6, 2047
Dear Rachel,
I realize that I've said this to you many times before, but I've been given my most important and relevant assignment yet! Well, it's relevant to you and me at least. Do you remember that story our father used to tell us, about the boy who wanted to be completely fulfilled? He traveled miles and miles, only to find that complete fulfillment is synonymous with love (at least, I think that's what it was). Remember how we'd always ask our father what the boy's name was, only to have him shrug and change the subject?
Today, Mr. Richler handed me an old program from a show called Pippin. He said it was a circus performance with a storyline embedded in it, the first of its kind. The story was about a boy, Pippin, who wanted to find complete happiness. His journey is recounted through acrobatics and lighting effects, leading up to the perfect (yes, the program said 'perfect.' I know how much you hate that word) final act. I'm not describing it well, but it sounded so similar to our father's story. I wish I could send you a copy of the program so you could see for yourself, but the original is so faded that nothing would show up on a copy. Anyway, Mr. Richler told me that the show closed because the director was accused of manslaughter. It had something to do with the treacherous stunts the show entailed. When the show was accused, however, the cast and crew disappeared without a trace. For decades, no one was able to find the members of the lost circus. That is, until a few days ago, when an anonymous source found the name and address of one of the actors. Her name is June and, according to the source, she was the ring leader of the circus. My assignment is to interview her about the show and to extract as much information about the controversy as possible.
I'm really not supposed to tell you any of this, Rachel. Mr. Richler won't even tell me where the interview is going to happen, for fear of June's location being leaked to the public. He says I won't know until tomorrow, which is quite inconvenient since I have to travel to this unknown location, you guessed it, tomorrow.
Like always, I trust that you'll keep all of this between us. I don't even have to say that, though, Ms. Confidentiality. You've always been the secret-keeper, ever since grade school.
I should really start packing now, even though I haven't the faintest idea what to pack. Sweatshirts or tank tops? Jeans or shorts? I guess I'll just wing it.
I'll message you tomorrow or the day after. Send my love to your little darlings.
Your big sister, Charlotte
