I have not written to you in months, my friend. And for that I must apologise. Rest assured that the reason for my unfamiliar lack of communication is not that I have forgotten you or the bond that binds us, but rather that my mind was occupied with the most bizarre circumstances. And I hope that, after reading these lines, you will understand why I have diverged from my usual habit and that you will be willing to forgive me. But let me tell you everything that came to pass since my last correspondence to you.