After leaving Attie and Tobias in the kitchen, Iris returns to the laundry room planning to work late. She finds that someone, likely Marisol, has prepared the space for her with a cushion, blanket, candles, and matches. When Iris lights the candles, she sees a folded letter on the floor by the wardrobe and realizes that someone has finally written back through the magical connection.

Iris opens the note and reads a blunt question asking who she is and what magic is at work. The tone alarms her because it suggests the writer does not know her, so Iris tests his identity instead of answering directly. She asks about the plaque under the typewriter, and the reply confirms that the writer has the Third Alouette. The response also includes a dry postscript, which convinces Iris that the writer is Roman.

The confirmation brings both relief and pain. Iris understands that Roman is alive and writing to her, but he truly does not remember her. Remembering Forest's warning, Iris allows herself to grieve before steadying herself with a new resolve: Roman's memories may return, and the most important fact is that she now has a private way to reach him despite Dacre's efforts to control him.

Iris then chooses a cautious strategy. Because she fears alarming Roman or exposing herself if the letters are intercepted, she does not reveal their relationship. Instead, Iris explains the basic magic of the linked typewriters and wardrobe doors, hints that war has likely swept him into its work, and keeps the exchange focused on trust and correspondence.

Roman answers more warmly, apologizing for his suspicion and explaining that he recently received the Third Alouette and does not know who owned it before him. He promises to guard it, reflects that ordinary people can make their own magic with words, and asks what he should call her. Even then Iris remains careful. Wanting contact more than a dramatic revelation, she signs her next letter with the false name "Elizabeth," choosing patience over truth so the connection can continue.