Violet Evergarden: Ann's Letter

Noted Automemory Doll and recipient of the Freedom Award, Violet Evergarden passed away peacefully at the age of 74. Residents on the island of Ekarte, where Violet lived, say that she continued to write letters despite her declining health. She remained committed to helping others through the power of words. Her will stated that this letter be published in the Hodgins Journal 3 months after her passing. She described it as one of her 'dearest possessions'. It has been published with permission from her widower, Gilbert Bougainvillea.

Dear Miss Evergarden,

It's been a while. I'm sure it must be strange to receive a letter from an unknown address. I've been trying to reach out to you for years. You remember me, right? I won't blame you if you don't. You are after all, the famous Automemory Doll, the one who was awarded the Medal of Honor by the Prime Minister himself. You have written countless letters, for poets, musicians, businessmen, politicians. Not a week went by when I didn't read about you in the papers. Your writings have changed the lives of thousands of people.

Tell me, Miss Evergarden, do you remember me?

I was surprised when my letter to the CH Postal company was returned, with a note saying that you were no longer working as an Automemory Doll. I rushed to Leiden and visited the CH Postal office, where the President informed me that you were living in Ekarte now. To tell you the truth, I wanted to meet you in person. However, given the connection between us, I thought it would be best if I wrote a letter instead.

Tell me, Miss Evergarden, it feels good to receive a letter, doesn't it?

It's been 16 years since we met. Every year I receive a letter from your former company, a letter that contains my mother's emotions, a letter written by you. Throughout my young life, those words have been a pillar of support for me. I still remember that fateful week. Your stoic face, your beautiful hair, your hands. I was such a dumb kid, I thought you were an actual doll! I may have been somewhat rude to you; it's been so long that I can't remember. But Eris says that I was a brat at that time. So, apologies!

I remember your blue eyes. They spoke something. At that time, I couldn't understand, but after all these years I do. Those eyes had a tender pain in them, they spoke of a lonely struggle. Those eyes were looking for something, for someone.

Did you find that someone, Miss Evergarden?

I later discovered that you were a former soldier. I heard stories from my elders about how horrific the Great War was. So many lives lost, so much damage done, families ripped apart, an entire generation suffered through unimaginable atrocities. It is inhuman, the nature of war. It is also strangely human; after all, humans are the only animals that fight wars. But what good came of it at last? I know Miss Evergarden has memories from her time as a soldier. Unpleasant memories. You may have committed some acts which you feel repentant about. My father too, was drafted. He never returned. Those scars are something that you and I will have to carry for the rest of our lives.

Do you regret being a soldier, Miss Evergarden?

After the war you became an amanuensis, writing letters for clients. To some it may seem an unorthodox career change. But I think it's quite fitting. Each person is fighting their own battle, each person has a story to tell. I'm sure there were others like me who are eternally grateful to you for your letters. You gave them a voice, a medium through which they could reach their loved ones. Every single letter that I received from you is precious to me. In hard times, happy times, funny moments, sad moments, I always think about my mother. And when I think, I think about the letters you wrote for my mother. Those letters are my guiding light. Her letters, your letters. Through thick and thin, I've lived my life with consistent vigour. Your letters give me that strength, Miss Evergarden.

I wrote this letter to thank you, Violet Evergarden. You've done so much for me; a letter of appreciation is the least I could do. However, there is one small thing that I still wish for. Ahhh, I'm selfish, I know! But this is something that I want you to hear. I was surprised to know that you were no longer working as an Automemory doll. I'm sure you had your reasons behind that. I don't wish to be rude or disrespect your will, but the world needs people like you. No one should have their feelings untold, their story unheard. So, I request you, please continue writing letters. Please continue to illustrate the emotions which cannot be explained. You have a gift, Violet Evergarden. Please use it to transform the lives of those around you. Because your cold hands produced more warmth than mine ever could. That is all I wish for. Thank you once again for all those letters you wrote, I will cherish them for ever and ever. And I'm praying that you find the happiness you were looking for.

Yours sincerely,

Ann Clara Magnolia