Post 6

Dear Cousin Alex,

I think I may have just discovered the sources of all these weird feelings and occurrences these past weeks. I went to the doctor a few days ago to get a sore on my foot looked at. While speaking to the doctor, he asked about the kind of foods I work with in the fields and whether my foot was ever submerged in water. Given that I wake up very early before the sun comes up, the water used to irrigate the fields is generally still there. These past few months I have been working in nut fields including the Cycad nut. According to my doctor, Cycad nut poisoning can cause paralysis and helps explain the general moodiness and change in my behavior that I have been experiencing. I am in shock just thinking that doing my daily work could be causing this kind of harm to my body.

The doctor said I must let the owner of the fields know immediately that he has not been treating his Cycad nuts properly to avoid poisoning. I am worried however, that if I do so I will lose my job out of his anger and overall inability to show any mercy or remorse. I feel like I have no choice but to continue working the fields and eating the nuts as I have no other way to make a living or help sustain my family.

I've let my mother know to stay away from the fields. This means I might have to work double shifts as her loss of income (albeit less than what I make) is going to hurt our already dying family much more. I am still behind several weeks rent and John isn't exactly the type to forget these kinds of outstanding debts. I will write again in a few weeks depending on how things over here progress. Hope things are going well Alex.

Sincerely, Cousin Conor

Post 5

Dear Alex,

You would not believe how great I have been feeling these past few weeks. I've woken up each day with such a sense of purpose and just overall happiness, it makes the last few weeks feel like years ago. My father even smiles every time he sees me, he is still not doing so hot but any sign of happiness is a marked improvement. John has been same as always, extremely demanding and showing almost no remorse. I am so happy these days that it dosen't even matter.

I went into London yesterday to go and try and find some new shoes. My current ones have been tattered from days in the fields and I was hoping I could find a reasonably priced replacement. I left after hours of searching only to realize I only had enough money to pay for a pair of shoes similar to the current state of my own. I only share this experience to let you know that money is still extremely tight and that mother is still working in the fields alongside me to try and keep our family afloat.

I hope things are going well for you in America. I heard in your letter last month that you had joined a prestigious up and coming law firm. I am so very proud of you. Your decision to go to school seems like a very prudent one and I am happy for your wisdom and strength in our family.

Sincerely, Cousin Conor