My dearest Hannah and little Rose,
The water ran out two days ago. My tongue feels like old leather, my throat like rusted gears. Never knew thirst could hurt this much. Got turned around in the waste-fog chasing that cache the merchant told us about – the one that fell from the Faireborne airship. The maps were wrong out here. Or maybe the fog just changed everything. Doesn’t matter now.
Hannah, my love – you were right about scavenging. The Dread Wastes takes everyone eventually, just like you warned. Should’ve listened. But when that merchant in the market mentioned the lost power crystals, all I could think about was getting us out of that cramped hovel in Coghaven. The damp there isn’t good for Rose’s lungs. One good score, that’s all we needed. Just one.
The cruel thing? I found them. The power crystals are right here beside me. Enough to buy us that little house in Vanvale, the one Rose always points to when we walk to the market there. Enough for her medicine, enough for a better life. They might as well be rocks now.
Rose, my sweet girl – Papa needs to tell you something. I’m looking at your drawing right now. The one where we’re all holding hands in front of our “future house.” You even drew the little window boxes where your mother wants to grow herbs. You got her smile just right, you know. Those crooked lines are perfect. I’m so proud of how well you draw. Keep making beautiful things, my darling.
I can’t write much more. Everything’s getting fuzzy. The thirst… Hannah, the cache location is marked on my map. Maybe some kind soul can retrieve it someday. I know that’s asking a lot for this forsaken place, but there is always room for hope. Just don’t let Rose think the wastes hold answers. They only hold dust and emptiness.
Every moment with you both was worth more than any treasure. Hannah, your quiet humming while you work. Rose, your excited bouncing when you show me a new drawing. Our Sunday meals together on the balcony, watching the airships drift through the fog below.
Tell Rose I’m sorry I’ll miss her sixth birthday next week. Her gift is hidden under the loose floorboard by her bed.
I love you both so much.