Letter 11

Poppy,

I haven't written to you in a few days. After all, you’ll never be able to read these, so it all feels pointless. But something happened today, and as usual I wanted to share it with you.

I took Magnar outside before breakfast this morning. I wasn't planning on it but I ended up at the library gardens again.

Before I had time to think about it, the Herbalist beckoned me over to an oak sapling. It wasn't in good health. Nella said she'd been doing all she could for it, but she couldn't find the cause of the disease, so she couldn't find a cure.

The poor thing doesn't seem to have many days left before it gives up the fight completely. Then she asked me if I would consider using my powers to restore it. I said no instinctively, shaking my head before she'd finished asking the question. But then she said something that I won't ever forget,

“I know what happened Willow. I've followed your progress with the Greenhouse Initiative for years, and I know that what you blame yourself for wasn't your fault. It's the intention that matters.”

I couldn't stop the tears from flowing as she spoke. She put her hand on my shoulder and added, 'When I flooded my village, I destroyed all our crops, and my neighbours' livelihoods. I stopped practicing entirely. I thought I'd never trust myself again. But the plants grew anyway. And eventually, I forgave myself too.’

Her words echoed in my mind all day as I swept and mopped. I can't shake them off even now as I try to sleep.

Your undeserving friend

Willow