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Journal Entry 54
12.07.2026 Bear with me, my dearest journal; my thoughts continue to demand transcription. Two journal entries in two days is not the norm for me. However, I need—and want—to document my feelings. Upon returning from Zum Alten Anker, I was unable to get my conversation with Zechariah out of my mind. There was something unique and intriguing about the pub’s…
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Journal Entry 53
12.07.2026 As I walked into the Zum Alten Anker, I felt an immediate and unsettling sense of fear. The feeling dissipated, however, when the pub’s bartender and owner, Zechariah, glanced at me and greeted me with a slight nod and a smile. There was no doubt that he recognized who I was. Zechariah did not pry into my story, nor…
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Journal Entry 52
11.07.2026 You are probably wondering why I am writing a second journal entry today. Well, my dearest journal, I cannot seem to halt my racing thoughts. Over the last couple of weeks, I have been so focused on the events in the basement that I blocked out where my troubles in Rüdersdorf began. The memory blindsided me as the train…
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Journal Entry 51
11.07.2026 There is no doubt in my mind that I was having second thoughts before boarding the train to Rüdersdorf. My thoughts were racing. My palms were sweaty. I kept asking myself whether returning to my personal hell was worth it. In the end, I took my seat and ventured north. Riding on a train is not something I usually…
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Journal Entry 50
10.07.2026 The King was not impressed by my decision to travel alone to Rüdersdorf. I explained how important it was for me to visit the basement on my own. Jonas’s concerns are valid. He is worried about a possible negative reaction I might have without someone with me to provide support. The King believes that I will be able to…
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Journal Entry 49
09.07.2026 It feels as though a fortnight has passed since I had decent sleep. Waking up this morning at 4:45 a.m. was even more evident that I needed to clear my mind. Drinking tea in a quiet atmosphere has always helped me focus on what has been bothering me. My concentration at work is lax. Even Otto and Emma have…
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Journal Entry 48
06.07.2026 I am not usually one to complain about fitness, but the King certainly pushed me this morning during the workout session with his security detail. I prefer to work out in the comfort of my own home, where it is only me, my equipment, and my music. Jonas has been encouraging me lately to be more social. He has…
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Journal Entry 47
04.07.2026 I accompanied the King to a celebration at the Residenz des Botschafters der Vereinigten Staaten. The American Ambassador to Dorstenland invited Jonas to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary. Jonas presented the ambassador with a framed plaque congratulating the U.S. on behalf of the citizens of Dorstenland. The overcast skies and rain did not prevent the ambassador from providing…
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Journal Entry 46
03.07.2026 Late this afternoon, I hosted a gathering at my residence for friends and family to watch Dorstenland’s football team play during the FIFA World Cup 2026. I felt an overwhelming amount of empathy for Emma. She loved playing football as a center midfielder, but her days on the field ended when she was kidnapped. It remains difficult for me…
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Journal Entry 45
01.07.2026 With heavy hearts, Otto, Emma, and I reluctantly packed away Karina’s personal belongings. One month from now will be six years since Karina’s body washed ashore along the Gulf of Finland. I never removed Karina’s belongings from our master bedroom. Her dresses, shirts, jewelry, everything that made my wife beautiful, remained in the same position since the day she,…
