You are strong. I could never even think that I would write you a letter… that I would write you such things. I always dreamed of happiness. Do you know that one of those days when I was happy, was every single day before the war! But I didn’t understand it! I was waiting for the right moments!

Hey Inna, It’s me. Well, actually, it’s you writing to yourself from Feb 2023. I’ve got some things to share. Firstly, let me give you a tight virtual across-time hug. I know you would appreciate it. We all need hugs sometimes to stay alive inside. The war has happened. It’s brutal, horrible & unfair. People get killed, cities get destroyed, and nature suffers too. There is nothing you could have done to avoid it.

My hope for the future is what I will see, be, and hug people who I love. I can see them smile and smiling to answer. I hope I will be stronger than I feel now. I believe that the Peace, the love and the merry come true! I hope I find my way in the new world for me and I can be successful and happy in my life. I’m the art who drew my life and changes colour and plot with changes in the world around me.

Hi, I want to warn you.

You are an incredibly strong person, capable of overcoming challenges and making a positive impact. Even though you knew that before, you may not have fully realised the extent of your strength until recently.

First, I would like to say I feel so sorry for what happened to you – surviving in besieged Mariupol under constant shelling and bombarding, a long tiring journey through many cities and countries before you landed in the UK. Let’s together have a look at you and your stay here. But worse than that is the constant pain you must endure. It’s so heartbreaking. It looks as if it’s always with you.

My dearest Anna, I do not hope you are okay because I know you are not. And rightfully so. Cry, be angry, be sad. Hate everyone and everything. Feel guilty. It's okay, you have the right to these feelings right now. But also be sure that it will all pass. You will be your true self again. Yes, you're right when you think this is gonna be a long war, but be sure you will win it.