Joyful Magical Days

4. Letter 2

Foucault County

In a decently tidied bridge hole

July 18, 1991

...

Surrey

Little Whinging

Number 4, Privet Drive

Under the staircase storage

To Mr. Harry Potter

...

Dear Mr. Harry Potter,

Receiving your reply truly felt like falling into a fairy tale dream.

It's wonderful.

Every grown-up with a child's heart awaits an owl (crossed out)

I mean, I'm really happy.

You probably can't understand the feeling of drifting everywhere, not physically wandering, but a restlessness in the heart.

In this world, I have no home, no way to fit in. If I could go back, I would even endure annoying bosses and foolish colleagues.

Do you understand?

Just to escape from here. But I've tried many ways, the worst time I nearly died, yet I woke up to spider webs drifting in the bridge hole.

I always thought I was strong, but I cried a lot that time. Probably because my sobs were so terrifying, I met Hank.

Hank is the kind-hearted postman.

He comforted me, saying if I wanted to find someone, he could help me find discarded envelopes and stamps, in case I remembered anyone's contact.

So I started writing letters like crazy.

You know the rest.

You're the only one who replied.

Sorry, I'm not really good at sharing my feelings, especially such heavy and painful topics in front of a child like you.

Please forgive me. What I want to say is, your existence feels like an anchor in this special time and space, giving me the courage to continue living and hope for the future.

Dear little Harry (I always thought this kind of Western address sounded cheesy, but now you are indeed dear Harry, please forgive my presumptuousness).

I hope after July, whatever changes in our world. After all, there's a good chance I'm just a Muggle, forever waiting for my owl (crossed out)

In any case, I hope we will always be friends.

Also, thank you for the three pence.

I know mowing lawns isn't easy, the recoil of the mower can make a kid's arms sore.

Don't get me wrong, as a dirty homeless person, I don't have the privilege to do such work, but I've heard others talk about it.

I've actually saved a bit of money, but Harry Potter, who's willing to send all his savings just for a letter, your kindness moved me deeply.

Don't worry about me, now that I've found a direction in life, things will get better.

Believe me, I've found a way to make money — writing articles for newspapers.

Maybe one day, you'll see my name in a paper.

By the way, your birthday is coming up, right?

If I remember correctly, it's the last day of July.

With this letter, I'm sending a birthday gift. Actually, I received your letter on the 12th, but I delayed to prepare this gift.

The efficiency of British postal service is touching, even in London, I can't predict their timing (I even suspect they circled the entire UK before delivering it to you).

Hank said it wasn't like this before, but recently due to staff shortages, he had to cover several more blocks than usual.

Ah, I miss the days of same-day and next-day delivery.

I hope you like this gift.

May you always be happy.

Yours faithfully,

Lilian