Summary: Descole would love to know if "Hershel" still remembers him, but he's afraid to ask the Laytons. It's been four years sharp since the kidnapping happened.
The boys' ages are still the same.
Theodore,
There's something that's been bothering me in my letters. All the time, I speak about remembrance, but did you really forget me? My pride prevents me from asking the Laytons. I'm too scared to send them a letter – too scared of what they might say. Too scared to learn that you're suffering an immense pain. I can't begin to imagine the helplessness you'd be feeling if my fears were justified. I couldn't bear to know you all alone out there in London: I would leave everything behind to get you back. I'm sure the Sycamores would understand my decision.
And what if they were to admit that you don't remember anything about me? What would I do then? Either way, it would hurt so much! I cannot fathom why I'd be the only one to suffer, but I'm way too selfless: if forgetting me is the key to allow you to live a magnificent life, then so be it.
I'm pathetic, wouldn't you say? I keep on changing my mind. Three months ago, I told you I would write to your parents for sure, and now, I'm too scared to do so. I must take a decision, for better or for worse. I can't go on this way, or I'll be torturing myself again. This mustn't happen. The memories of our childhood together are still fading away, and though I miss you, I'm accepting our new lives. I couldn't stay in denial all my life. I don't want to be faced with the horrible pain I've been through four years ago anymore – not again!
"Four years ago"… These words are difficult to write, despite everything I'm saying. They show a reality I don't want to acknowledge. I doubt your mind would allow you to remember it, but we're in January: today, it's been exactly four years since our parents left us. Four years since they've been taken away from us – or us, taken away from them. I cannot say.
I believe now is the time for me to enjoy my new life with the Sycamores. We're still getting to know each other but talking with them seems decisive in easing my pain. They can see it in my eyes every time I mention your name – the eyes cannot lie. They have something in mind for me, something that should be able to help me for good. I wonder what it will be. This time, maybe, I'll be able to move on once and for all.
In the meantime, I'm going to go out and discover the village for the first time, with them. "You mustn't stay locked inside your room, studying all day", Mrs. Sycamore said. I believe she may be right, after all.
Your brother, Hershel