[To the anonymous gentleman,

First fan—what an incredibly sweet phrase. I’ve been waiting for someone to say that to me for a very long time.

Thank you so much for leaving me a letter. You were quite concerned about writing such a letter for the first time, but please rest assured. It’s also my first time receiving such a lengthy letter from a fan.

At first, I only wanted to cherish it, but your closing words troubled me, so I’m writing back.

Ah, before that, I should explain how I can send a letter to you. After all, you didn’t leave even a single initial of your name, let alone an address.

Don’t worry, I didn’t hire a detective to investigate you. I merely received help from a bit of good fortune.

Did you know that when the witch’s feast day approaches, paths that don’t exist on maps appear? Paths that those with closed hearts can’t even see the signposts for.

Fortunately, I’ve always been good at finding the way I need to go. People usually look back and forth between me and my white cane and ask “You?” but it’s the truth.

Even if it might take some time.

Thanks to that talent, I’m writing this letter to you. Borrowing a low-ceilinged attic in a special shop where golden words glimmer.

Witch-run shops aren’t rare, but this one is the real “real deal.” It’s just like something from a fairy tale.

You probably know about it too. The lullaby about a child who cried for three seasons straight until receiving a witch’s gift and suddenly stopping their tears, or the adventure tale of a child who hung a silver ribbon on their window, made a wish, and was visited by a snow-white witch who gave them a ride on her broom.

Fairy tales always feature mysterious items. A potion to end unrequited love, a mirror that can see the future, a moving portrait, a necklace that makes you speak your true feelings…

I don’t know where truth ends and fantasy begins, but if you’re reading this letter, one thing is certain:

That the witch’s ability to send what you want where you want it wasn’t a lie.

Though I’ve never interacted with witches before, I desperately hope today that the promise made by that kind woman with flowing teal hair is true.

I’m sorry to tell you, as someone waiting for my next work, that I have no plans to perform on stage for the time being. For personal reasons.

I wanted to let you know so you wouldn’t wait too long.

I gratefully accept your sentiments. I will truly never forget them.

December 29,

Wishing you Isobel’s feast day blessings, Perry Humble.

P.S. Though it’s unlikely, if you wish to reply, please send it to the address below. By the time you receive this letter, the feast day will have passed, so it would be difficult to expect the witch’s miracle twice.]

[To Actor Perry Humble,

Why?

Thank you for your kind letter. I wasn’t expecting a reply, so I was a bit surprised. When I returned home from work, there was a blue envelope stuck right to my bedroom window. I nearly missed it forever.

I have heard about the feast day miracle. Traveling through various countries, one picks up all sorts of information by ear. Though all I know about witches is the “Flight Regulations Between Witches and Aircraft”…

Did you know that conflicts between witches and pilots intensified as commercial airlines increased? The law was created before I joined, so I don’t know exactly what the situation was like then… But this is irrelevant to the current issue, so I’ll stop here.

May I ask why you won’t be performing?

No, no. I think I misunderstood. When you say you “have no plans to perform on stage for the time being,” does that mean you’re taking a step back to wait for the right moment for a big leap forward?

If not, if my first understanding is correct… I earnestly implore you.

If you truly received my heart completely, if your words about never forgetting weren’t just pleasantries, please return to the stage, I beg you.

Although I have no right to pry into your “personal reasons,” I cautiously ask: Are these reasons significant enough to ignore the feelings of a fan who only waits for your next performance? If so, I won’t beg further.

While you have no obligation to understand the feelings of a mere audience member—I dare not expect it—please reconsider this matter.

Ah, I wish you happiness, luck, and safety in the new year as well.

January 3,

From an anonymous fan.]

[To Perry Humble

I’ve visited twice yesterday and today, but you seem to be continuously absent, so I’m leaving this note.

Please pay your overdue oil and electricity bills by the end of this month.

If that’s difficult, I suppose our relationship ends here.

I believe you have the detailed statement, but I’m writing the total amount below again.

P.S. You remember the rent is due by the 15th, right?]

[To Perry Humble

Unfortunately, we couldn’t find a suitable position for you in this production of “Roland Girls’ Dormitory.”

We wish you luck.

— Theater Company Soribon]

[To Dear Ms. Humble

Oh, haven’t you read our letter? How strange! 「The Island」 already completed all casting last December and is now in earnest rehearsal. With many young and talented actors participating, expectations on set are running quite high.

Regarding the letter, well, perhaps you might check if the delivery person made a mistake? Our staff certainly wouldn’t have made an error! They’re quite clever, you know.

Ah, yes. As for the audition results, needless to say, you were not selected. I wasn’t there personally so I’m not entirely sure, but very capable individuals were present—and no one mentioned you at all.

Why not look for other opportunities? Looking at your application, I see you’re still quite young. In any case, with the new year, I hope you’ll take time to reconsider your options.

As an audience member, you’re always welcome to come see 「The Island」!

Sent by Marijin Dalteng]

[To Actor Perry Humble

I’m writing again as my previous letter seems to have been quite rude. I wanted to retrieve it immediately after dropping it in the mailbox, but unfortunately, my work schedule overlapped, delaying even my excuse. Though it may be late, I’ve finally found a moment to add a few words.

As your fan, I should rightfully support whatever choice you make, but I ended up whining like a child. If my previous letter troubled your mind, I apologize again.

Could you perhaps forgive this mistake, made only because I… as a fan, passionately admire you so much? If it makes you uncomfortable, please feel free to ignore it.

I simply wanted to say that I think your acting is truly, truly wonderful. Having neither eloquence nor writing skill—as you can see, I’m terribly weak at this kind of composition—I’m not sure how well this will resonate.

As a fan who has watched you for a long time, though it may be merely a rash assumption, when you said you wouldn’t stand on stage anymore, I just…

I worry. Though I wrapped it in trivial excuses, yes, honestly, that’s my entire feeling.

Sincerely.

January 9,

From an anonymous fan.]

[To my kind gentleman,

You, rude? Not at all.

Rather, I was very happy to hear such words. Though it feels awkward saying this myself, I wasn’t—haven’t been—an actor audiences wait for. So to have you speak like this for me, though the situation isn’t ideal, it even makes me happy.

I’ve unintentionally caused worry for a precious fan. It’s nothing serious. It’s just too petty to explain. Well, I suppose using that expression already makes it sufficiently petty.

It’s really nothing. Just the usual money problems. No, it’s not serious enough to call it a “problem.” Just a minor nuisance. Though that nuisance is growing like mold on bread…

I’m joking. Really.

I’ve simply decided to focus on making a living for now, so please don’t take it too seriously.

While I understand your concern, you really don’t need to worry. Truly.

I hope this letter has eased your mind.

January 13,

Wishing you likewise happiness, luck, and safety, Perry Humble.]

[To my INSANE gentleman,

Do you think the recipient name is too harsh? But sir, I believe you’ll understand.

I received your letter today. I spent about three hours thinking about how to respond, but since no better sentences came to mind, I’ll just write.

The reason I revealed some of my personal circumstances to you was because I didn’t want to lie unnecessarily. I also wanted to respond, however inadequately, to your excessive affection.

I swear this wasn’t to receive such a stack of checks! While I’m pleased to learn your name from the signature on the check, everything else is simply bewildering.

If my letter caused any misunderstanding—perhaps about some secretive relationship between an artist and those financially entangled with them—I’ll respectfully apologize.