Maurice used a letter opener to carefully open the envelope that had come from afar.
On the envelope, a series of stamps along with the stamp indicating "already purified," silently spoke to him of an extremely long wandering journey.
As the letter unfolded with a slight rustle, rows of neat and tidy handwriting appeared before Maurice, and it was indeed the familiar script of his old friend:
"To my good friend and academic partner,
"Since our last contact, it seems that years have passed. This estrangement is truly regrettable. I feel as though these past years have been muddled and hectic, as if I've been doing things without meaning. Only recently have I become suddenly aware that I have wasted my time...
"…Many fascinating things have happened lately, which are difficult for me to describe to you in writing concerning changes in my life… Frost is an incredible place, not only for its cold and protracted winters but also for many things worthy of serious study...
