Meanwhile, I was more or less adapting to my changed life. My parents emphasized my disability while telling me “you must never give up” and taking me everywhere. I was stabbed with needles in suspicious homes, spent four days alone on a snowy mountain in winter, and survived for a whole month on just a bit of soup and medicinal tea….. The two of them didn’t hesitate to offer up money they had saved their entire lives.

This was part of why I left for Roju.

As long as I remained, to them I would always be something to fix. A daughter to correct, a ruined daughter, a daughter who couldn’t pull her weight.

After leaving, I was free. As you know, Yuan, one can simply not read letters if one doesn’t want to. Even as a student, I used to tear up or throw into ponds the letters from home without reading them. As an adult now, what couldn’t I do?

I should have done that this time too.

Foolishly, I didn’t. My father said for the first time that he was curious about my acting career. I was excited, thinking that someone who had never asked about such things was finally acknowledging me.

If I had been a little more level-headed, I wouldn’t have had such illusions. Because of needless expectations, I made a mistake. I was also concerned about my younger sibling’s coming-of-age ceremony.

My sibling—we’re not close, but I personally feel sorry. Because my parents were busy running around trying to fix my eyes, my sibling spent a lot of time alone from a young age. I don’t know how it was after I left for Roju.

While choosing a gift for my sibling at the department store, I got sentimental. Whether it was responsibility as an older sister or a sense of debt. In the end, I ended up ruining my sibling’s birthday too.

I know it’s not my fault.

I…..

Oh, I was going to explain what happened, wasn’t I? My words keep wandering. If you’re not curious, skip to the next page. It’s not something you absolutely need to know.

To summarize in one line: “People don’t change easily”? Forget the coming-of-age ceremony—my parents planned to make me drink blood. Something about purifying the body with holy water and drinking clean blood to expel evil energy from nerves or cells and return to the original state?

It’s not even funny. But my parents seriously believed this absurd delusion.

When I refused to participate in this cult nonsense, I had to be locked in a storage room for hours. If it weren’t for my sibling, I might still be locked up there. That’s fortunate, at least.

Well, yes. That’s all.

Taking advantage of my sibling opening the door, I ran and ran until I finally found a public phone booth… and that’s what happened.

Your colleague was very kind. The person who first answered the phone. She said, “I was planning to stay at the residence during my days off, but I didn’t expect to come to such a rural area,” so I apologized repeatedly, and she retorted, “I meant I was glad to receive the request, didn’t I?”

She was a pleasant person. The car was warm enough to make all my joints relaxed, and your colleague was kind. Even though I declined, saying I was fine, she took me to the hospital.

Perhaps wanting to reassure me, she kept talking about you. Oh, don’t be too nervous. I didn’t hear any negative evaluations.

That woman emphasized several times that you were a reliable senior and a skilled pilot popular among colleagues and favored by superiors. Like someone who appeared with a mission to praise you.

Ah, I heard the legend that you were the only one who survived the company dinner without changing your expression. That person described this story with more detail than the tale of you safely making an emergency landing through a tremendous gale.

How many empty bottles were piled under the table, how many people passed by your side, how composed your expression was as he sipped from his glass……

It was really interesting. I also felt like I’d discovered some intimate details you hadn’t shared.

Hehe, are you embarrassed? Anyway, that person was really kind. She kept telling me what a good person you are.

Well, this topic ends here.

I’m really fine. Above all, tomorrow is the first day of the performance, isn’t it? I’m looking forward to it as much as I’m nervous. The thought that I’ll be standing in such a large theater still feels surreal.

I don’t think I’ll be able to fall asleep easily tonight. But I should try. Showing my best performance is courtesy to the audience.

Yuan, stop worrying about me and sleep well. Got it?

December 28,

With infinite gratitude and affection, Perry.]

[Dear Perry

It truly was a magnificent work. Your detailed facial expressions changing with every shift in lighting were especially exquisite. No, I doubt whether I, as a layperson, can comment on your performance.

I couldn’t move a finger until the curtain call ended. I should have applauded those who completed such a magnificent play. It felt like…… I had visited a very distant world. Not an exaggerated metaphor, but sincerely.

I didn’t say a word on my way back, wanting to cherish this sensation. I was anxious that if I even opened my mouth, my initial impression might fade. I’ll attach my detailed thoughts on the next page.

Now, as a friend, let me ask.

Are you alright? You’ve said “I’m fine” several times, but I can’t help but worry. Especially since the contact came right before my flight…… I’m absolutely not blaming you. I should have coordinated the schedule better. That day was one I had switched with a colleague who asked for a favor.

Had I known, I wouldn’t have done that. No, if I had known in advance, I would have done whatever it took to prevent you from having such…… an unfair experience.

I don’t want to further upset you, but I must ask. Is your family alright like this? Are legal measures not necessary? Of course, it would be difficult given the close relationship, but if you have any thoughts, please tell me anytime. I know several legal professionals specialized in this field.

I always,

Hope you’re doing well. In whatever sense, wherever.

I’ll stop here. It wouldn’t be polite to pry further. But if you want to discuss this matter, please remember me anytime.

Your friend isn’t going anywhere.

I hope you have a peaceful night.

December 31,

Yuan.]

[Dear Perry

Your first work of the new year was also truly wonderful. Every time I try to explain my feelings toward you, I reach the limits of my poor vocabulary. That is, regarding your acting.

Are you taking good care of your health? Since the year has changed, I suggest a health checkup. I happen to know a good hospital where you can enjoy various benefits if you mention my name. If you’re interested, please let me know. I’ll contact them in advance.

I have no other intentions. I just thought that since it’s a new year, you might want to take care of your body or mind. It’s just a simple recommendation, so please don’t feel burdened. I recently had a checkup myself.

There was nothing unusual. My height, weight, and eyesight all remained the same. My lung capacity actually increased, which made my colleagues pester me about what exercise I do.

Are you very busy?

Perhaps I’ll receive your reply right after sending this letter. Please don’t think I’m being too…… pushy. It’s just that you are,

I am,

Well,

We’re friends, right? I just want to know how you’re doing.

If you’re busy, even a single line would be fine. As I said, I don’t want to burden you……

Have you eaten? Stew is perfect for warming the body on cold days. I had caprese salad, toasted bread, and tomato stew for breakfast. I drank hot coffee as a palate cleanser.

I wonder what the busy Perry has been eating these days. You said you enjoy a vegetable-based diet, and I’d like to know if you have any special dishes for getting through winter.

I’ll wait for your reply.

January 4,

Yuan.]

[Perry, are you really safe?

I tried to wait patiently, but I can’t. It’s truly difficult.

How did you wait about two weeks for my letter? I never knew my patience was this short. I tried not to burden you……

If you’re planning to repay my past mistake, I earnestly request you consider another method. This, well, doesn’t seem like a wait that humans can endure.

Please just let me know if you’re alright. That one word is enough.

—Yuan]

[To Yuan Bellium

Hello, to all audience members who have purchased tickets for 「Pirouette」.

I am Ansi Hart, director of Leopora Theater. I write with a heavy heart to deliver disappointing news so early in the new year when the production has just begun.