Dear Ruth,

You wonder about me.

I wonder about you.

Who are you and what are you doing?

Are you not just an author, but the author?

Did you write yourself into another world? Or, are you just a part of a world where you’re unknowingly written about?

Anyways, I enjoyed reading about you and your rebirth. I believe that Nao’s life introduced you to a different life than you previously lived. For the most part, I was satisfied with how you handled Nao’s belongings. It was necessary that you took ownership of what you found on the beach. You welcomed this unexpected enigma with curiosity and tenacity. You should be proud of yourself.

I know about you just as you know about Nao. I only know what is written. After you discovered Nao is real I decided that I must trust the written word as accurate no matter how crazy it may seem. Research, as you have found, only helps once you are sure of what you already know.

As I part, I will always wonder: are you Ruth Ozeki or are you just “Ruth”? Is it rude to refer to you as “just ‘Ruth’” when you are seemingly so realistically defined as a human being?

Until I find more words, Lily

P.S. I want you to never wonder: if I believe in you…I do.

P.P.S. Skyping is always an option 🙂