Casper watches Asher depart before he moves to open the gift. He isn't surprised; Asher is the only person at Gooseberry that's given him a present every year on his birthday. What he finds inside, though, gives him momentary pause. He doesn't like being reminded that the end of the year is approaching and that very soon many of his friends will move on without him. Leave him behind. But this invitation to maintain their friendship even after Gooseberry isn't lost on him. He examines the journal (but doesn't find any of the hidden notes), picks up the fountain pen (recognizing the wand wood immediately and wondering a moment later how much he'll have to practice to make his handwriting legible with it), and utters an amused sound at the multi-tool. The other boy knows him.

He smiles faintly to himself, wraps the gifts back up carefully, and finishes his breakfast. He then heads to the owlery, writes a quick letter on one of the sheets and seals it in one of the envelopes. Later that morning, Asher receives a message which reads:

Don't be stupid. Of course, I'll write.

Make sure you answer.

Thanks.

- Casper