If you can help me, please read on.

 

My husband was drawn away from here about twenty years ago to go find fortunes in the land of the Flowery Flag. I know he must be doing well with all the money that he has sent back to us. We were able to build a new home just outside of the village, inspired by a Western brick style that made it stand out from the older homes in the area, as well as an elementary school in the area with the help of money from overseas. Our son was able to get a good education. But, we lead a lonely life here.

 

It’s hard being around the other villagers with our newfound wealth. We’re subjected to their constant envy at our abundance of money, and we must constantly be on guard to protect our assets. I heard that some bandits kidnapped a family in a neighboring village and bankrupted them as payment for a ransom, leaving one of their sons dead. I fear the worst will also happen to us. The next thing our village needs to construct is a guard tower so the village militia can watch out for these intruders. However, this will take time and my husband’s mother has become seriously ill. I hope that he will be able to return before her passing as our money can not buy her health.

 

Please pass on my message to my husband if you see him and tell him to return before Spring.

 

Edit: Thank you all for the kindness. Someone notified my husband of this post, and he is on his way back to our village as I write this response. His mother is holding on for him, and I feel as though the day he arrives and sees her again will be her last.