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To my dearest friend and trusted confidante, John Irving —

~~I have something to tell you~~

~~There is something we must discuss~~

I have sat at this desk, pen and paper in hand, and struggled over what to write to you now for nights on end. There is... much to speak of, for much has changed, and I fear that putting it all down in a letter will not serve it well or offer the depth of answer that your abiding friendship most certainly deserves. I would like to speak in person, if you are amenable, on whatever evening is most convenient for you, but for now, know that I am well, and recovered, and merely adjusting to a new level of circumstance.

I never harbored any regret or ill feeling toward you over your decision to leave, even if I could not help but experience the foreboding thought that such a journey would only end in catastrophe. You seemed so determined at the time to be a part of that voyage, and in turn I could not find it in my heart to dissuade you too significantly. I would not demand any particulars if there are details of those days that you'd prefer not to reflect back on, but my attention is yours should you ever choose to share the events with me or the evidence that they were able to uncover in the pursuing.

I will admit I was unaware that we had a new priest in our midst. Perhaps I will soon be able to make his acquaintance now that I am feeling ~~like myself~~ much improved. Though we should likely do something about procuring you your own Bible that is not quite so cumbersome to carry around. I believe the city is home to a print shop, and I would not expect it to be so difficult to make more than one copy if they are able to refer to the one I myself own for reference. Have you read anything of late that has particularly resonated with you? A certain passage that feels uniquely apropos to our current situation?

I look forward to seeing you very soon, at which point I hope that I will be able to explain everything to your satisfaction, if not your understanding.

I remain your abiding friend in love and trust,
Vanessa Ives

To my Faithful and Beloved Sister in Christ and in Spirit, Vanessa Ives,

I cannot describe what joy I felt to receive your letter. I am elated to hear you are well on the mend, if not Recovered entirely; thank Heavens for that, truly. Indeed, I'm quite happy for us to speak in person, naturally at your Convenience. I am available most evenings. Already I sense that these Changes which you speak of must be Remarkably Significant, for I often feel the opposite — that I cannot express myself as well or in depth as I'd often like to while speaking, whereas in writing my Thoughts always seem to come across much more clearly. Who can say how and why the human brain works the way it does?

With this in Mind, I hope you will forgive me if I make a fool of myself when next we meet, if I appear to receive your News with confusion, concern or even ignorance. You know me; I can be rather awkward when speaking in person, be the Circumstances good or bad. This is not to say that I am not excited to hear your News, however — only to mention my own awkwardness with reacting to Surprises. I'm sure it will all be Fine. I fancy seeing you very, very much.

I am also elated to know that you are not upset with me, and thank you kindly for your Generous Words. I cannot yet say whether I will ever feel ready to speak of exactly what transpired upon that Ship, but if or when I do, you will be among the first to whom I do so. Queer as it may sound, I do not regret going; only the Lives which were lost in the process. But I do Believe that we have learned several things of Value through this Expedition — though I confess to not knowing yet what exactly it all may mean, and most particularly for us — and in that respect my own suffering easily comes at a distant 2nd to any Knowledge and Information gained.

He is called Father ~~Thomas~~ Tomás Ortega, and I have met with him several times by now, though (as you well know) I am certainly no Catholic. But any Port in a Storm, as they say. He is actually a surprisingly Smart and Thoughtful man, although I must admit I doubt we will ever see Eye-to-Eye on a variety of Different Subjects. But no matter. I am unsure if it is inappropriate to describe us as Friends, given his Position, but I imagine you will like him as I do. Likely even more so.

As for Passages...

Jeremiah 29:11 — "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Hebrews 11:1 — "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

And of course, one of my most enduring Favourites:

1 Corinthians 10:13 — "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

Do you really think that a Print Shop here might be able to recreate your Bible for me? If so, I would be most euphoric and grateful. I am happy with my Binder, currently, as it is very useful for making Notes and Annotations in, but you are right in that it is certainly most cumbersome indeed. A real, compact Bible would be a True Blessing indeed.

P.S. — Please let me know if we should speak about what happened between us before I left. ~~I'd rather n~~ I understand if not, and personally do not consider it strictly necessary, if at all, but I respect that as I am not a woman, I cannot speak to whatever your needs on the matter may be. As always, please consider me to be ever at your disposal.

I am ever your affectionate friend,
John Irving

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