Dear Francesca,

A few small words from an often silent girl:

Yesterday I swam under an overcast sky,
my body almost weightless
as I swam on my back, the water shushing
in my ears while sounds of above and below
converged

Last night I woke myself up shouting from my sleep
the words I do not remember
but the tone was of frustration

Now I watch Boo breathe
she lies at the foot of the bed
in a cresent cat curl
and I wonder if she dreams
while she sleeps on the crumpled
white sheet

Yours,
Hannah Iona