Chapter 26

Summary

• Hazel was a 21-year-old student at the University of Cambridge in 1946, studying in her third year while living in Newnham Hall.
• The post-war environment included ongoing rationing and the emotional impacts of missing and traumatized soldiers; Hazel coped by immersing herself in her studies, putting her visions of storytelling behind.
• Hazel was planning to attend a lecture by the famous professor J.R.R. Tolkien but was sidetracked by a letter from Harry Aberdeen, inducing a flood of memories and emotions.
• Hazel's history with Harry is revealed: a connection from childhood, a shared trauma involving the mysterious disappearance of their friend Flora, and an unbroken vow never to see him again.
• Despite her vow, Hazel enters into a written correspondence with Harry, sharing life experiences and growing close again through letters over three years.
• Hazel graduated in 1948 and took a job at a pub in London, whilst living in a flat above a dry cleaner, continuing to share details of her life with Harry in letters.
• Their letters skirted past traumas but were filled with endearing questions and vivid stories, binding them together in a world slightly removed from reality.
• When Harry suggests visiting Hazel in London, she is torn between her desire to see him and her vow, ultimately leading her to remain silent.
• Hazel's silence resulted in the end of their correspondence as Harry stopped writing, leaving her with mixed feelings of anger and regret.
• Despite her hurt, Hazel decides to be the enchanting person she was in her letters to Harry and changes her life direction, seeing the correspondence as a catalyst for personal growth.