My Dear Layla, If you have found this letter, then I will be able to find you. If not now, soon. The world we were in was not safe, though I wonder how long we can stay out of it now that we have seen it. Your father is not a resistance fighter. You must remember when he placed his hands over the mark on Jack’s forehead the day of his baptism. Your father had done the same to you on the day of your baptism. The external mark was only a prediction that your lives would lead you away from Sant’Anna to the valley surrounded by trees.

The book belongs to each of you in turns. It will come to you when you need it. Jack has been fascinated by it far longer than you have. You were always busy helping with the children, never reflected on it much, so it may take you some time to come into its orbit.

You will find the children look to you. They will follow your example. They always have. You have cared for your own mother and you were a mother to Jack when I was sick. They know that Jack watches everything you do, and they watch you as well. When the time comes for you to use the book, you will have to leave them. They will be safe if you have taught them the value of their own innate wisdom. This you certainly will have done as you know that the children are not things to be moulded but to be unfolded.

Do not be too hard on Jack, he looks up to you whether you realize that or not right now. His mark too, predicted he would leave Sant’Anna and the consequences would be greater for him than for you. You already know how to find your way in the world, Jack is distracted by everything he sees, and it will take a significant intervention for him to see his direction.