Dear Luxa,

Just realized - I don't know when your birthday is. I like to think it's close to when mine is. I'd tell you the month and day, but I don't think you'd know what I was talking about, so I'll say when I was in the Jungle.

Man, that seems like so long ago! I was so happy to see you when I was in that quicksand pit. Even if you thought I'd sold out and joined the rats. You shouldn't feel guilty you thought that right at first. That's what HE did, after all, and why shouldn't I be just like him? Even though I'm nothing like him. I didn't even like him. I didn't like you either at first. But then you grew on me, same as your hair grew on you. Did you like it short? Or doesn't it matter how long it is - you still have to wear that crown on it, huh? Did Narissa keep it nice for you? Have you got more than one?

Well, happy birthday! I know it's sometime around now. I'd rather be months early than miss it. That way, when I figure out when it really is, I can wish you happy birthday again - and again - and again.

I asked Mom if I could homeschool myself, and she told me not to be silly, no one homeschools themself and we can't afford a tutor. I said Dad stays home so he can do it. But he's still sick so often. So that's a no. Thought that's what she'd say.

Is your new bond still driving you nuts? Oh, that's right - you don't have nuts, because you don't have trees. Or not many trees. Er, is he driving you crazy? Slap him for me.

Lucky guy. I miss your slaps.

Love,

Gregor