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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 mentioned on more than one occasion since we returned from Asia that he senses something is on my mind. You know there is. I know there is. However, it is difficult for me to express what I feel to others. I was never like this. My whole life, I would…
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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 his guests with a typical American cookout, complete with hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, and corn on the cob. While Jonas made his way from conversation to conversation with the guests, I was graciously allowed to help manage the barbecue. The planned fireworks display was cancelled due to the weather; however,…
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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 to even speak or write about the events that led to Emma’s paralysis. I suspect that at some point in my journal entries, I will share the details. Lately, I feel as though I am processing closure for what my family and I have been through. Removing and storing most…
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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, Otto, and Emma were kidnapped. I am not sure why it took me as long as it did to decide to move on. Perhaps somewhere in my heart, there remained hope that Karina would return home. Returning home to her children. Returning once more into my arms. As I placed…
