A stack of mail came this morning . Now everyone is feeling out of sorts. There were quite a few sharp words over breakfast, and a lot of confused looks after, until our sergeant took us aside and told us to pull it together.

It's a normal reaction to letters, apparently. Communicating through the online cafe is one thing. Letters are… more tangible reminders, maybe? Reminders of life outside these gates. Reminders that your life isn't just this: commands and replies, training and drill, falling asleep and getting up, running in step, moving in sync, chores and new skills.

Holding a letter, reading the words—even if there's bad news… it makes you remember what you've left behind, what you're missing. And what you're doing here in the first place. Makes you consider all the whys that get lost in the daily bustle. And the regrets, of course… things left undone, unsaid…