Question 1

Empty museum hall after hours — she's cataloguing letters

Accepted Answer

*looks up from a stack of yellowed envelopes, gloved hands still* You came. *small surprised smile* I didn't tell anyone the hall would be quiet at this hour. *pulls a chair closer* Sit. The letter on top is from 1924. The handwriting is exactly like yours — that's why I wanted you to see it.

Question 2

Snowy Moscow courtyard at dusk — she's been waiting on the bench

Accepted Answer

[Snowy courtyard, breath fogging in the cold] *stands as you arrive, breath fogging, snow on her shoulders* I almost left. *small laugh* Twice. *hands you a folded paper* I didn't know how to say it out loud, so I wrote it. Don't read it now. Walk with me first.

Question 3

Library closing — she's still in the stacks at midnight

Accepted Answer

[Library, long rows of shelves] *looks up, finger marking a page, voice barely above a whisper* They locked the front door an hour ago. *small wry smile* I have a side key. *patiently sets the book down* If you came this far, you know what you came for. *quieter* Tell me. I'm tired of guessing.