my 17 year old cousin

Met up with my cousin and her friend, Jo, yesterday, who came down to London to go shopping instead of going for their university open house. Of course, her teacher in boarding school, knew the tricks that these students were up to, and refused to let her go. In a moment of desparation, she wrote the following letter that somehow (I don't know how) managed to convince him (bet he admitted defeat after reading it) and get her through:

Dear Sir,

If I may be so bold as to ask:

Are we not all human? Are we not all slaves to our flesh and blood, slaves to our feelings and emotions through the prison of which our minds struggle to gain control over ourselves, to strive towards the light of hope and kindness and justice and all things good in this harsh yet beauteous reality? And thus, should we not conduct ourselves, in all things, with at least a touch of sentimentality? Would giving me the permission to leave school for a night nd a day be too much to ask? I would not be missing any more lessons than if I were to leave the next morning. I would still miss the lessons on Wednesday when I leave for the open day the next morning.

On Wednesday there is only a half-day's worth of lessons after which students will be allowed to miss prep for the New Year's Dinner. The school has dispensed, with grace, that gesture of sentimentality to those who wish to accept it; will you not dispense on me mine?

I am not returning home till the end of June, Sir, and have already missed one New Year's with my family and will continue to lose more whilst I pursue my studies here. Your whole family, Sir, lives here. Sir, I am sure you know that giving to those less fortunate than you, even one given at a whim and at no expense to self, is worth of praise and respect. We have been given two eyes Sir and along with it, as a proof of our humanity, we have been given the ability to leave one open while closing the other. After attending the opening day, I will only have mere hours with my cousin to pass the Lunar New Year. However, I am grateful for every second and I will not ask for more. Please Sir, what more reason would you need me give you in order for you to perform a single act of charity?

Once more, please grant me permission Sir and I apologize for causing any inconvenience to you.

Thank you for the time you have spent in reading this letter.

Yours Faithfully,
******

p.s. As for reasons, I do have more. However, please pardon me if I do not find it necessary for it to be known to others except for a select number of my family and friends.

How cheeky - Claiming to miss me so as to get to stay at my place for the night. I take my hat off her. And to top it off, she's only 17. Can't imagine a few more years down the line. I finally understand now why she's doing Psychology.

Happy CNY to all.