Fiona wakes up to a stiff neck and decides before she does any more studying warm tea is necessary. She lights up the kettle to heat up water.
She attempts to stretch out her aching body with a few exercises by touching her toes, bending her back and stretching forward ... she notices the message cylinder on her desk.
She looks outside her window and wonders if a ladder could reach. She sits down at her desk and rotates the tumblers until the symbols spell her name ... F ... I ... O ... N ... A.
The latch opens she pulls out a single piece of paper.
My Precious Fiona,
Our friendship remains whole and stronger than ever.
Your honesty is more powerful than my amazing laugh. I read your letter with such awe, have my eyes deceive me? You, my sweet Fiona, are a precious jewel. Your sources are perfect. You have my heart jumping for joy as read your letter over and over.
You have not lost a thing in revealing your heart. I feel the same way, except ... I do not want an Olive in my future. I want a Verena.
Breathe and let us return to our correspondence with a new appreciation.
Your Dearest Alaya.
Since you did not come by to pick up this reply, I decided to make a special delivery. I entered through the window by climbing the chimney. Please don't be offended or scared, I only did what I had to do.