Dear Prof,

I'm writing this at my flat, the day of our conversation on the phone. Did you like it? Would it be kinda off to say that I'm still pretty exhilarated after it? It's kinda fun to have a voice attached to the letters I receive from you now. It...makes it a bit more personal, y'know? Makes it really nice. I really didn't wanna hang up and ask you everything I could, but I know better than to put Inspector...Bratwright in a strop. We finished up a case when he called me-very open and shut, nothing to really regale to ya that might be interesting. But when I do, I'll definitely tell you. I'll also tell you when I put that nickname to good use-believe me, I'll use it at a good time.

Florence was really amused with me when she gave my mobile back. Something about the fact that you were being exceptionally emotional. More than normal, apparently. She says I'm a good influence on ya. Well, I don't know about good influence, but she just mentioned that you sound happier. Are you? I don't have anything to back that up, but I'll take her word for it. She really cares for ya, Prof. I'm sure you care for her just as well.

You said you wanted to know about me, eh? I can probably start with what I told your father-a lot of it's really basic stuff from my past, but it'll be a good start. However! I'll only give you one fact per letter. You have to respond in kind with a fact of your own or else I won't give you any more. That's the condition. If you want them to be specific, just ask, alright or I'll just tell you whatever I told Professor Layton.

Okay. Here's your fact:

I was born on March 20th, 1990 as an only child in Sheffield. I stayed there until I was 12; my father found a better job and moved us into Central London. It was a complete shift, I tell ya, but it was a good one.

Alright! Fact over. Technically it's three or summat like that, but who's really counting? It would be nice if you offered 'three' facts of your own, but no pressure. It's not really that entertaining, but I don't wanna tell ya my life story so fast. That'd ruin the fun. ;)

I also still don't know why you think me talking to you is surprising. Do you think so little of me? Or well, do you think so little of yourself? Because, Prof, I really do, without a doubt, find your presence a wonder. There's no pity attached, I promise-I know from experience that pity will not help an addict. It's probably the best way to make one feel bad and then cause them to relapse, I feel. That's just my opinion though.

To be honest, Prof, you don't just draw away the monotony, you also give me something to look forward to in post. Never before have I felt so happy to see mail in the past-mostly that's associated with bills and other boring things that I'd rather ignore. You'll have to work very hard to get rid of me. :)

Your Pen Pal,
Lucy Baker

P.S. I was walking home today and passed by a bookstore, immediately seeing something that you may or may not like. I just...thought of you. I don't really know your birthday or if you're allowed to have books, but I hope you like it. Think of it as a...congratulations for making up your mind on wanting to be sober! :)