Diaries / Letters from the Basement
The younger sibling under Hay Street Mall writes back: about pirate ships, borrowed rooms, a stolen zombie and being copied by Sydney.
Fiction. The building’s voice, the rivalry, the letters and the legends are invented. The dates are real.
Letter the first
Thank you for the card. I note it said “I was here first” three times. I would like to point out that I have more rooms, more daylight and a shopping mall on my roof. Families love me.
Also, I have a pirate ship. A whole one. I gather you have a shanty.
— The Basement, Hay Street Mall
Letter the second
The Bank Heist has arrived safely and settled in beautifully. It says the vault is much more secure down here. It says you were very nice but a little creaky.
I have given it a good spot. It sends its regards.
— The Basement
Letter the third
I understand you have taken the zombie. It was very happy here, under the mall, and the shoppers above found it very motivating.
I accept that horror belongs with you. I accept it graciously. You may keep your zombies, your vampires and your coffins. I shall keep the families, the birthday parties and the gold bars.
— The Basement (gracious)
Letter the fourth
Sydney has copied both of us. Your haunted house and my pirate ship, on George Street, as if nobody would notice. I am outraged on your behalf, and mildly on my own.
Perhaps we should stand together on this. Just this once.
— The Basement (an ally, temporarily)
Letter the fifth
Melbourne has asked me for advice. I gave it some. It asked whether you had any too. I told it you would have a great deal, and to read it in a good light, as your handwriting is very old-fashioned.
We are, I suppose, the old ones now. Five minutes apart. Which is not so far, really.
— The Basement, five minutes away
— The Basement, Hay Street Mall
