19 July 1940

Dear Matthew,

You are by far, I think, the bravest man I've met in such a long time. I admire your decision, and I admire you for going through with it. If… If you ever want to talk about any of this, please don't feel like you need to hold anything back; I know talking with someone not related by blood could help in the long run and I shall try to help as much as I can in between work and school.

I do have a journal. I've kept one up for years (in different notebooks, of course) ever since I was twelve; I like to write each entry as a letter to my sister - telling her all that I'd been up to, all I wanted to say to her as if she was right in front of me. It does help on the harder days - some problems or fears seem less daunting once put to paper. I'll send you a blank notebook, so that if you feel like taking up the habit you can. (And at least if you don't want to talk to me about some things, you're still getting it out of your system.)

I shall definitely send you the new Poirots as they come out, so long as you promise not to buy them if you see them - that way you don't end up with more than one copy and both of us are out some money. Did you get a copy of Sad Cypress before you left for training? I can find one for you and send it in my next letter if not. I think she's coming out with another one later this year, but you might already be at the front by then.

As to your Persuasion question, yes you're allowed to strangle Anne's family (figuratively since they're fictional), but you're only five chapters in, Matthew, they get worse.

You mentioned on the pier two months ago that you were originally from Ballarat. Can you tell me of it? What was it like for you growing up? (You don't have to answer if you don't want to, I understand what it's like to have things in your life you'd rather not talk about.)

Sincerely,

Alice Harvey

[Enclosed with the letter is a leather bound, hardback blank journal, small enough to fit in a bag or large pocket. On the first page, Alice has written: To help with the wandering thoughts not for anyone's eyes but your own - A]