To Koa

(An envelope arrives approximately one week after their last meeting, smelling like a spritz of Sohalia's perfume and carrying three items: a brief letter, a pressed forget-me-not, and an updated sketch of Pip.)

Koa,

When you suggested meeting in two weeks, it sounded completely reasonable at the time, but now it seems like forever and a day. I can't wait to see you.

Yours,

Soh

P.S. Tell Pip I will gladly take any criticism of her portrait - it's not quite as accurate as if she were modeling for me, but I did my best from memory.

K O A

and they will shake their heads
and wag their bony fingers

Sohalia,

I'm so sorry for this late reply, I've been traveling and didn't have the opportunity to write sooner. Pip loves her portrait and makes me take it out at least twice a day so she can admire it. I was worried she'd tear it, but she's been remarkably gentle, especially for her.

We never chose a meeting spot, but how about the Observatory? In two days, at dusk?

Yours,

Koa

in all the wrong directions—
and by daybreak we'll be gone