(OOC: The following diary entry is poorly written in an unsteady hand, with multiple misspellings and corrections.)
This be my first diary writing. Mister and Missus Holbrook, who run the Boarding House, said that learning my letters would be helpful. Helpful to them, so I can keep the books proper, about the guests and payments and such. And helpful to me, so I can start learning to write letters or take messages or other things useful in the world. I admit, it would be nice to be able to read signs and boards and the like when I'm in town, without having to stop and try to work out the letters one at a time and feel so stupid about it. Missus Hopmead said she knows a little of how to read and she would help, too.
Oh, and speaking of Missus Hopmead, there were a fire at the inn last week. Nothing too terrible, it were only in the kitchens, and Missus Hopmead, Mister Goldnettle, and Miss Annie, all got out without a scratch. But the kitchens are ruined and there's no knowing when it might be repared reapaird fixed. We only have two beds here in the Boarding House, so I asked where they would all be staying. Mister Holbrook said there's a little farm in the next village that were advir adve asking for extra help, and they agreed to take them in and let them work in trade for beds and meals. Breaks my heart to see them cast out of the place they worked in and loved so much, but at least they're all alive and well.
I went to visit the Soothery (did I spell it right?) yesterday. I hadn't seen Mister Dimheim since he went away and last I remembered he had hurt his leg and was with a fever. It were good to see him all in one piece! The oil and tea he gave me are gone, but he promised he could make more, and far quicker than I thought. I'll have to watch my pennies so I can be sure I can keep paying him. There were a rough looking sort of man there ahead of me. Not rough in a bad way, but like someone who travels a fair bit. I weren't trying to evs eavsd listen in, and I didn't understand what they were talking about anyway, something about herbs and plants, I think. A woman were there, too. I said hello to her and tried to be as polite as folk should be with strangers, but she didn't say anything back. She set a cup of something by Mister Dimheim and walked off. Maybe that's his missus. Maybe she doesn't like visitors. It's probably a little nerve rack rak bothering having sick folk and such coming in and out all the time. He always seems like he's puzzled about something. Like the world confuses him. Or like he's lost and he isn't sure where he is or why he's there. I can't put my finger on it, really. I'm just glad he's there and he's kind and he helps us. If it weren't for him, I never would have thought to visit the cobbler. I wouldn't have my new shoe. I'd still be walking with my stick everywhere and feeling like I were about to topple over. I wouldn't have the tea and the oil that make this damn leg stop ak aki acki hurting so much.
I hope the coming cold doesn't make the pain worse again. Summer is kinder to my leg. It always has been. Winter hurts. But we will see what the months coming up will bring. I'm just happy beyond words that I won't be spending it in that dark, cramped house with my brother. I miss him terrible, but I don't miss being afraid. I don't miss trying to hide the bruises.
I awt owt feck's sake!! I will end this here.
