You know, every year I think about how hard it really must be, to go six years without a single smile or a laugh, or speaking a single word either. When you put it in writing, it sounds as though it would go by quickly--but then I think of all the things I've done and people I've seen here, and to think it's only been five for me, besides. Goodness, that puts a different angle on things, doesn't it?

And I'm quite well, thank you! Or as well as anyone can be in the City, really--but of course, that's what we always say, isn't it?