twilight wishes and the moon’s blessing

Darling Josephine,

I must admit that receiving your letter this morning felt as if a lone candle in the darkness had been lit.

I realise that is has been a long while since our youthful days; do you remember those midday lunchtimes in that meadow of buttercups and wild daisies? The pollen may have disturbed our noses, but my recollection of those days is blissful, and I too wish for them once again. The wispy white fae from the seeds of the dandelion would always pester you, however I don’t believe I’ve told you that against the backdrop of twilight, you were completely and utterly ethereal.

I often wonder what you wished for each time you blew the fae to the sky. Then again I suppose, the wish wouldn’t come true, would it?

I was vehemently in love with you then, just as I am now. The flowers you wore in your hair always reflected your eyes in the most beautiful fashion. Your graceful, angelic features blessed each of my days with happiness and a deep heartache. The sun would catch your eyes at just the right angle, and your kaleidoscope eyes would paralyse me. Until you snapped your fingers in front of my face to pull me back.

I ask the moon every night to watch over you as the streets become ever the more grimy and danger-filled, all the while I am locked in this estate with no place of solace.

I ardently desire the security and liberty of those days once again. When you visited my abode to play piano, your pieces played themselves into my dreams and I frequently awoke well rested and at ease. I do hope you are still able to play.

Dearest Jo, is it not your birthday next week? I must extend my most sincerest apologies for not having sent anything to you, and my deepest condolences for your current predicament. You were defenestrated?

Oh Josephine, what did you do? Are you injured? I have always admired your head-strong attributes and valiant displays of loyalty for each and every one of your companions, but you must take care, and not draw any unwanted attention to yourself!

Along with this letter, I have selected some pearl jewellery -- freshwater. It may not be much, buy I am certain that if you sold the earrings and necklace separately, you could earn enough to stablilise and buy yourself some necessities. Do not worry about the value, any misfortune that my husband causes is, to him, rectified by more jewels and a few short words. I wish that I could enclose real money, but you know how George is.

As a woman, he believes that I am incapable of handling the finances. You and I both understand this is childish prattle, but I’m afraid that I am powerless and he is too irascible to comprehend. He can snudge around all day, but upon finding me reading the poems of Keats, which you so endearingly gifted me, he sees crimson.

Unfortunately, he has been experiencing some... self-control issues these days. I do wish that he didn’t depend on scotch so heavily, as more often than not, I feel like a bird trapped in a metal cage in his prescence.

Did you know that he partakes in a weekly boxing club?

I am not very fond of this, not because I care for his safety, but because he is already unpredictable and arrogant, and adding strength to his alcohol-driven anger is certainly inviting danger into our home. It is an arduous task, soothing him after the sun kisses the horizon. I detest my father to this day for forcing George on me due to his status, when that is a result of his parent’s hard work, and through no merit of his own. I am sure my father had benevolent intentions, however my inexorable fate seems to be one of despair and anxiety. No matter, I have lasted these previous years with few tribulations.

I can wait for you.

Know that I cast no regard as to what he or my mother think of you, for they are encompassed by a toxic and merciless hatred that will only devour them in time.

You have never shown me any degree of malice as they have, you have only ever ignited the fire of love in my heart, that burns brighter every day.

Does absence make the heart grow fonder?

I believe that a disguise would not give anyone in the vicinity a reason to distrust you, although I am not certain how you could secure us a future when they already know your face. I await your response with the greatest ardour, for every beat of my heart is for you.

I long to be in your arms again soon.

I love you.

Farewell for now,

Lila