Work Text:
Dear Hazel,
I remember, during the case at the Rue Theatre, you saw me and George’s casebook, and how messy it was. You told me the that when something is important, you must write it down neatly, and keep it safe. I didn’t tell you, but that evening I went and bought a new notebook and started writing my notes afresh. I lost it soon after we returned to school, but as I was going through some old trunks the other day, I came across it. There were some rather interesting things written at the back. Things my younger self had locked away and been too shy to talk about but giving that I am now older (which is a fact) and perhaps wiser (which George disagrees with), I would like to share them with you. Please appreciate my translations, as evidently my 14-year-old self-seemed none too troubled with proper handwriting;
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London, May 1936
Important facts and observations
Hazel Wong’s nose tends to crinkle when she is thinking very hard
When she is nervous, she fiddles with her clothes
She rubs her nose when she is tired but doesn’t want to admit it
She notices everything
She always knows exactly how to comfort someone
She is awfully clever
When she is hurt, she draws into herself and doesn’t speak. When someone she loves is hurt, she looks furious, as if she is ready to fight the Universe itself
She would probably win that fight
Daisy thinks she is like Watson, but I think she remind me a lot of Poirot
There is freckle on her neck, just below her ear
She only ever smiles for a few seconds at a time, and usually stops when she catches someone watching
Every time she smiles, I think about it all day
I think I’m in love with her
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It all seems rather silly now, but I was just taking your advice to heart. I'm glad that I recorded the important things.
Love,
Alexander