Father,

I want to start this letter with my typical apology. There isn't a day that passes that I don't think of that dusty old castle or playing outside with you and mom on the edge of the forest... There is a strong prospect that I will soon be able to visit, though. Raphael mentioned I may have a short break from my studies soon, giving me a chance to break away from the city. Maybe one day you will make it here to Trost? I promise I'll clean up the place.

Has Hanji made any new breakthroughs recently? Last time I visited she was telling me of these huge plans to make a dunk tank for examining titans' aversion to the water. I thought she was being serious, but then she concluded that the excavation would begin in your office, so who knows. She gave me access to her lab in case I ever wanted to conduct my own research—she's good to us. But my professors encourage me to remain in the city and work with a public awareness team focused on securing the people's trust in Erwin's leadership and the new Queen. Is it wrong if I decline their offer? I explained my disinterest to Raphael and he told me some people just aren't meant to stay caged within the walls.

How are things at Headquarters? I imagine the new cadets are keeping you busy? Please stay safe. Uncle Erwin stopped by to check in on me Wednesday; he said he was proud of the work you were doing as Commander of the Scouting Legion. As if I didn't know you were a kick-ass soldier. I still wonder how mom would have reacted to your promotion. I think she's laughing at you and your mountain of responsibilities... He seems in good spirits, too. He mentioned a woman—was it Maria? Or maybe Mary?

He also encouraged my return to Headquarters as well—more for your sake than anyone else's. He told me you were making the soldiers' lives hell because you were miserable. I know that you would never be so cruel…

As for my progress here, I have spent the past five months buried in books and trying to soak up as much information as possible on the world. Every day I am astonished at the information Mom recorded in her journals. She saw so much of the world! Would it upset you if I told you I wanted to as well? I spoke to Erwin about the need to expand our horizons to accommodate population growth. He seemed open to the idea. What about your thoughts, Commander?

My intention isn't to complain, but I am getting frustrated with some of the people in this city. Not my teachers, of course, but the mentality of the townspeople is such a stark contrast to what I was raised in. The atmosphere is ripe with ignorance and complacency. It's as if they're all livestock. Do you think a change in the world is possible?

You may have guessed why I'm writing out of the blue like this… or maybe not. I'm not even sure why I decided to write, I just knew that I needed to. I wish we could be together in times like these, so that we could go visit her and place the most beautiful flowers by her. Thinking about mom is never easy, but the anniversary is always the hardest… I still have that silly necklace she gave me when she returned from the city. I hardly ever take it off… I asked Raphael how you do it, how you cope I mean. He told me a little about all the people you've lost over the years and I don't know how you do it. He told me mom carried a lot of pain too. That shocked me even more. She was always smiling… even on that day…

I'm prepared to go out on a hunt for exotic medicinal herbs with Raphael in the morning actually, which is why I should get some rest. I hadn't realized it was already past two hundred hours.

I do hope to see you again soon, but until then I just wanted to thank you for supporting me in my decision to come into the city. I feel like you knew how much I would hate it all along—you're probably laughing now. Please take care of yourself, eat well, and get plenty of sleep (not at your desk!) I will return soon with knowledge and hopefully the strength I need to make a difference in this world.

Love,

Mikey