A Note from Saki Naki
On the other side of the globe from Washington DC, a Japanese agent scowled at his computer screen. He wished to comfort a valued colleague, and hoped his message would be accepted in that vein. Deciding how to convey his thoughts was a difficult task indeed, especially in English.
"Dear Dr. Jack Hodgins,
"I hope you will not think I am being too presumptive in writing this letter to you. In a recent telephone conversation with my friend Agent Booth, I inquired after the well-being of his Jeffersonian colleagues who were so instrumental in apprehending the killer of my beloved little sister Sachi. Your skilled scientific analysis of the evidentiary particulates was incredibly helpful in determining who was guilty of this travesty.
"Some time ago I was very happy when Booth told me that you and your wife now have a young son, and that his eyesight was normal despite hereditary factors which could have caused a less fortunate outcome for your baby. But this time, Booth revealed that you and Agent James Aubrey were both injured when a bomb was placed inside the body of a murder victim. Even worse, a police officer. Agent Aubrey's recovery was an excellent occurrence, and you both escaped with your lives.
"But I was greatly saddened to hear that you later became paralyzed from the epidural hematoma compressing your spine. While I have never been seriously injured as you were, the grief over losing my beloved little sister, and our honored parents caused me great physical pain for months. I don't know why, only that it did. Certainly not the same as your suffering, but something I had to endure and learn to cope with, as you are. For me, 'gut-wrenching' was not just a word.
"I realize our religious belief systems are vastly different, but I hope you will not object to my praying to our Shinto gods and my ancestors for your benefit, so that your kami may deign to improve your mobility and health. To this end, I have visited our family shrine and will continue to do so on your behalf. I observed that you are as muscular as Booth, and a vigorous man in the prime of your life, which will make dealing with your wheelchair more successful. Your considerable upper body strength will be very useful maneuvering through your home, at the lab, and all areas of your life.
"Again, I hope you do not take offense at this letter. My intent is not to cause consternation, but rather to wish you the blessings of health and long life. Like my friend Booth, you strike me as a very noble, determined, motivated man, with a strong spirit and will, which I greatly admire. I am eternally in your debt; grateful for your efforts and time spent to bring justice for my sister.
"I will continue to pray that some new development in technology or your physical recovery will restore your ability to walk. If that does not come to pass, I pray you will remain strong and resolute in facing your challenges. None of us escapes hardships in this life. May the future bring you peace, fulfillment, and joy in the face of adversity.
"Sincerely,
Ken Nakamura"
Once his letter was printed, Naki placed it in an envelope addressed to Dr. Hodgins at the Jeffersonian Institution and mailed it off.