Dearest Laura,

It was so lovely to see you again. And your party was great! I haven’t had so much fun for ages. You know with the kids and Martin … but that’s not what I want to write about … no whining.

How’s the renovation going along? It already looked so cozy. I always loved your visions. Send me some photos as soon as you are done, will you?

—–

The letter has been lying around for a week. Simon interrupted me. Then Sophie was sick. Martin I think I won’t be able to write more any time soon. Sorry.

I hope to hear from you, nevertheless.

Lots of love

Clara

Hi Clara,

No worries. I know you’re busy. It took a while for your letter. Wrong ZIP code 🙂 Guess the letter saw a bit more of the country. Just like us! Remember? <3

I hope you still find time to relax. Having kids sounds tough. If you ever need a break, feel free to visit. Even with the kids. Lucas likes them. So, he’ll entertain them. And we’re going to have a blast. Just the two of us. Talking, eating, drinking. How does that sound?

Renovations are almost done. I’m so proud of my work. And the blisters. It reminds me of our flat. Do you remember?

I’ll stop here today. Take care. Remember, breathe!

Take your time replying, love

Laura

Dearest Laura,

Your letter was lying on my desk for so long. Buried under papers and books. I still can’t manage my chaos. It’s as if my head spills out on any surface I touch. The kids are asleep. Martin is back at the computer. It’s unusually quiet.

I miss you. I miss our time together. I include some photos. Memories of our flat made me look through my old hard drive. There are so many of them. Photos, I mean. So much energy. Smiles. Love. There is a dumb grin on my face, looking at them.

Lucas likes kids? I wouldn’t have guessed. He appeared so serious. Quite mature. But … I think you are a lovely match. Martin and I are …

I talked to Martin about visiting you again. It’ll be difficult. He is quite busy and I don’t want to travel with the kids. I want to see you! Spend time with you!

You coming up here would be another option. But … I will be tied down. Let me talk to Martin again. Tell me which months would work for you.

I miss you dearly!

Clara

Hey Clara,

Again, don’t worry about it. I just love your letters. I love that our connection is still strong.

Thank you so much for the pictures. I showed them to Lucas and we had a laugh. Somehow my taste hasn’t changed. Check out the renovated place. Do you know what I mean? Sorry, it’s only three photos. I picked yellow. Just like then. I’ll frame the pictures you sent. They’ll always be there for me to see.

Now that the renovation is over, we’re focusing on our holiday home. It’s near the lake. I wanted to bring you last time. We will have to re-do the roof. Lucas will also install new windows and a proper door.

I’m free. Just let me know two weeks in advance. Here’s my phone number. I know, you don’t like calling. But to check availability it’ll be faster.

Take care, my love!

Laura

Hiho Clara,

I just wanted to let you know that there hasn’t been a letter for over three months. Maybe it’s the postal services. Hopefully, it’s them.

Are you okay?

I asked around but nobody has your phone number. So, this is the only way of reaching you.

The lake house has a new roof now. It’s a green roof. That was my idea! It took some convincing but Lucas finally saw the advantages as well. I planted rosemary and rue. Blue and yellow. Just perfect for a home.

The windows are still not installed though. We are a bit worried. Autumn comes with lots of rain. Lucas was busy with work. But we should be able to finish by next week. There will be a small celebration. If you are free, join us. I would love to see you again!

A short reply is enough, love!

Laura

Clara,

I’m really worried now. Please let me know if you are fine.

Pia saw that all your social media accounts are deleted. Martin’s also vanished.

A short message is enough.

You are in my thoughts. Be safe, love!

Laura

Laura

Still no news?

Pia

No. I wanted to stop by her place. But something came up. I’m not in the area for the next months.

Laura

Is there nobody else?

Pia

Not that I know. I was only friends with her on her socials. Your party was the first time after ages.

Laura

Do you think I should contact her parents?

Pia

You know them? Maybe. But …

Laura

What? They should know, right?

Pia

Didn’t they have a fight? A big one.

Laura

That was twenty years ago. They have grandkids now.

Pia

Still.

Laura

I’ll try. Worst case they won’t reply.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Ludwigs,

I hope you are well. Maybe you remember me. I’m a university friend of your daughter’s. As our contact has dropped recently, I wanted to know if she is fine. I would appreciate it if you could update me about her well being.

Best regards,

Laura Ortis

My dearest Laura, my love,

I’m so sorry. So deeply sorry.

I miss you. So very much!

Does your offer still stand? Can I really come? It’ll be soon though.

I will have to bring Simon and Sophie. I can’t leave them.

Can you send me your number again? I still don’t have one.

I want to see you!

Clara

My love,

what happened? I saw the address. Here is my number. Call me!

I will be there for you. I talked to Lucas. You can stay in the lake house.

We will make sure you and the kids are safe. If I need to get you, I will come.

I’m waiting for your call! Stay safe! Please, stay safe!

Laura

Dear Laura,

Thank you for supporting my wife during a difficult time. As I was able to reunite with my family your interference is no longer required. Don’t expect any further letters.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Barrat