3rd Song
::sitting in the lounge car, Pépinot hastily finished up his letter to give to the Conductor, worried that he may have started too late::
To my dearest teacher, Monsieur Mathieu,
At first, I couldn't think of who to write to, because I don't know where my father is and none of the other boys like me very much. But then I thought of you, and how you've been so kind to me, so you out of everyone will care about this letter most.
I am writing to you in English because that's all that's used here on the train, so I must be very far from Fond de L'Etang. It was all very strange; I went to bed one place, and woke up in an entirely new place! I've never seen people or machines like I see them here; everything is like a fairy tale. But people here are very friendly, and I've already made so many friends, much more than I ever had back home, if I choose to call Fond de L'Etang my home. There is Maria, who is a soldier just like my father! And Sawyer, who is a cat, but she walks and speaks like people! And Tsuuma, who has a little girl she misses very much. And there are all so many fascinating people here, but I do miss you and wish you were here, teaching me songs.
Please don't let them think I ran away? I don't want to be put in the lock-up when I get home, but Rachin might not believe you. He thinks we are all bad boys, but the younger ones like Boniface are really good at heart. You will look after them, too? They love the singing as much as I do.
I think it must be winter where you are, but it's nice and sunny here. Would you believe there are some people who can't even go outside because they'll get burned? I met a person like that; it's hard to imagine never going out in the sun.
I know this is a lot to ask, but when Sunday comes, could you check to make sure my father has not come and gone? If I'm not there waiting for him by the gate, he might think I've run away and gone to search elsewhere. Don't let him do this! My biggest fear is that he will come when I'm on the train, and we'll have missed each other. But I know that you, as my best friend, will not let this happen. Please, do not!
I will write to you more, if I can. I will see you again soon, Monsieur Mathieu!
Yours sincerely,
Pépinot
::jumping down from the couch, the small boy opened the door and wandered out into the hallway to deliver his letter::
To my dearest teacher, Monsieur Mathieu,
At first, I couldn't think of who to write to, because I don't know where my father is and none of the other boys like me very much. But then I thought of you, and how you've been so kind to me, so you out of everyone will care about this letter most.
I am writing to you in English because that's all that's used here on the train, so I must be very far from Fond de L'Etang. It was all very strange; I went to bed one place, and woke up in an entirely new place! I've never seen people or machines like I see them here; everything is like a fairy tale. But people here are very friendly, and I've already made so many friends, much more than I ever had back home, if I choose to call Fond de L'Etang my home. There is Maria, who is a soldier just like my father! And Sawyer, who is a cat, but she walks and speaks like people! And Tsuuma, who has a little girl she misses very much. And there are all so many fascinating people here, but I do miss you and wish you were here, teaching me songs.
Please don't let them think I ran away? I don't want to be put in the lock-up when I get home, but Rachin might not believe you. He thinks we are all bad boys, but the younger ones like Boniface are really good at heart. You will look after them, too? They love the singing as much as I do.
I think it must be winter where you are, but it's nice and sunny here. Would you believe there are some people who can't even go outside because they'll get burned? I met a person like that; it's hard to imagine never going out in the sun.
I know this is a lot to ask, but when Sunday comes, could you check to make sure my father has not come and gone? If I'm not there waiting for him by the gate, he might think I've run away and gone to search elsewhere. Don't let him do this! My biggest fear is that he will come when I'm on the train, and we'll have missed each other. But I know that you, as my best friend, will not let this happen. Please, do not!
I will write to you more, if I can. I will see you again soon, Monsieur Mathieu!
Yours sincerely,
Pépinot
::jumping down from the couch, the small boy opened the door and wandered out into the hallway to deliver his letter::