Dear mother,

I've decided to take up writing letters. It's been a while since you've left and, no matter how much I love you, my schedule was filled up to the point that I barely had time to eat. I do appreciate your letters, though. They have served as the thing I look forward to every so often. I read them over and over again. I miss you.

In your last letter you said that you've been progressing in health lately though you fainted in your afternoon walk. I just thought I would say something about the fact you've been used to different climates and the colder air is different on your body. Take it slow.

In this letter I have enclosed a few teabags of assorted tea, all prepared by myself. I wish I had listened when you taught me how to brew tea properly, to get the best flavor out of it. My newest roommate -a cook- can't even do it right and I've been craving a good cup of tea, no matter what the flavor. Noodles, on the other hand, I've been doing fairly well at.

My work as an apprentice is going fairly well. Sometimes I wish the old man would actually pay me though the knowledge he gives me is invaluable. I would just enjoy a full night's rest instead of working at the warehouse all day. The warehouse is fine, but it's mindless repetition. No wonder they're hiring me to do it at twelve yuans a hour- who in their right mind would want to do that?

Enough for now; I will send more letters and gifts soon.

With all my love and hopes,

Yuuta