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.