Theodore,

I'm officially starting a new life, and I can already feel that everything's changing. This time, I'm finally breaking free from the chains of my past – our past. I'm sorry to let you down this way, but there's nothing else I could do. I have reminisced enough, now I will keep on moving on.

In my last letter, I told you that the Sycamores had something in mind for me, and I couldn't imagine what it was. Well, I can't say I could have expected it – it was so sudden, so unpredictable.

One evening, Mrs. Sycamore showed up in my room, and suddenly told me, with a worried look written all over her face: "I have something really important to ask you about, Hershel."

Impatient and curious, I nodded silently.

A moment later, the words she said hit me with such violence, I don't think I could ever forget them.

"We talked a lot about this with my husband, and we think it's high time for you to let everything behind you. This awful life, the pain, the loneliness, everything. All of this is related to your family, to your history with the people who disappeared all those years ago. Hershel, you need to take on a new name."

When she was finally done talking, I was torn between two distinct feelings – anger, and relief.

Anger, because her words felt so cold, it seemed that she didn't have the least concern for what I had been through. Whatever could I reply to that? Did she even expect me to say something, other than "yes, I will"? I was at a loss for words.

I also felt relief, as she acknowledged that all the pain I was feeling was related to my accursed past. Just then, I saw it: her eyes were sparkling with something I hadn't seen before. It was hope, but also sadness. Deep down, she knew that this decision was mine alone to take and wasn't to be taken lightly. Although she tried to hide it, I noticed her hands shaking – she was afraid I could refuse, and maybe leave them behind.

I kept silent for a long time, staring at my bed in confusion. I couldn't find the courage to look up. It was then that, in a faint voice, she added something – something decisive.

"We know this is nothing but a name, and it doesn't remove all you've been through, but maybe starting out a new life will finally allow you to be happy. I can let you choose this new name, if you want to."

I suddenly realized everything. There was no other way out for me: I had to start over, no matter the consequences. With this proposition, the Sycamores showed yet again their true nature: they were such gentle, caring souls, and they would do everything in their power to make me smile.

I suddenly remembered a name I'd always loved, a Scottish name – a rare and unique one, which fitted perfectly my life.

There was so much I wanted to say to Mrs. Sycamore, but I could only reply one thing while firmly looking at her.

"From now on, I will be called Desmond Sycamore."

That night, I relived everything – I couldn't wipe off this sensation of déjà-vu I was feeling.

I remembered that moment clear as day: you were being taken away from me, while the Laytons were already calling you 'Hershel' as if this was your true name.

I remembered your silence – you were conceding, as if you wanted to keep the promise you'd made to me.

In the end, I believe that the possibility of taking on the name of your older brother didn't bother you at all, because somehow, it would make you believe I was still here with you. Yes… that may be the truth, after all.

There aren't two 'Hershels' anymore. There's just you, the fake Hershel, and me, the new Hershel – Desmond Sycamore. It's almost been one month, now, and I must say that I'm proud of the choice I made that day.

Your brother, Desmond