Dear Risa,

  Yeah, no, I'm not gonna stop writing. You’re stuck with this.

  So, after an absolutely miserable afternoon, night, and morning on a boat, I got home alive.

  Maki made sure and rub it in that he doesn't get seasick. When it was time for dinner he ate his food and mine. Loudly. I would have tried getting away from him, but that would have required moving. And he would have followed me anyway.

  Brothers are the worst. Be glad you don't have any.

  Mom and Dad were waiting for us when we got to the dock. And Cali showed up just as I barfed one last time getting off the boat. I kinda wished she hadn't seen that, but once I was on solid land I was muuuuch better.

  So, growing up, there were four kids our age in town. Me, Maki (who always had to make sure we knew he was oldest), Cali, and… Luke.

  Luke didn't get to leave for school because his parents kinda don't have money. Or at least, not enough for a year or two of food and board. They sent him to get a runesmith certification, and he did get it, but without any connections he pretty much had to come back here. He’ll be the town’s next runesmith when his dad dies, we assume.

  I haven't really heard from him in two years. He’s written to Maki, but not me.

  Apparently he’s been working on a fishing boat. He’s gained muscles. And lost all his baby fat. Aaand when I first saw him, it was kinda warm out, and he didn't have a shirt on.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Girl. Risa. My friend. I am sorry I made fun of you yesterday for how you acted when you met Mas. If you’d been here, I know you would never have let me live it down.

  Thankfully by the grace of the goddess Maki was ahead of us, talking to Dad and Cali. Mom saw, but she’s not gonna bring it up.

  If Maki had seen I probably would have gotten back on that boat and let it take me as far away from here as possible.

  If Cali had seen… I don't know what would have happened. I know after I left for school they dated, but then they stopped dating? I haven't asked her for details. I should probably do that before I see him again and forget how to walk. Again.

  Anyhow, Meriel was at school when we got home, which is why she didn't meet us at the dock. Mer is kinda… Well, she’s fourteen now, and is starting to think about the future. She wanted to be a healer, like Dad, but that’s what Mas is studying to become. The town doesn't need more than one healer, so if she becomes a third, she’ll never have work. I went and studied math and politics, so unless I piss enough people off I'll probably follow Mom into working in town government. Which, it’s pretty much run by just her, so there wouldn't be room for me, Mom and Mer.

  Maki solved the “what do I do” problem by getting training in the Royal Guard. Town guard is two people currently, and neither of those people have kits, so he’ll be fine if he wants to move back permanently.

  I don't know, I told Mer she might have to move to the city if she wants a fun job. But that idea… Leaving home is scary, and she’s still a kit. Maybe she’ll figure something out here, but for the moment she’s scrambling.

  If she decides to move to Goldvale, I'm sending her straight to you. Take care of her, Risa.

  And don't you dare teach her everything you taught me. And if you tell her about the time with the alligators, I will end you.

  Sweetest Regards,

  Maeve Zee