Hemoptysis

Dear Dr. Barnes,

I write to you again despite not hearing back regarding my first letter. I was in a state of good health when I sent that message that I, unfortunately, am not in anymore. I am unaware what I have done to upset the Gods but they are punishing me. For the past few days I have woken up with the taste of blood on my tongue, and dried blood around my mouth. I know not what message to draw from this morbid illness. I am fortunate that my occupation is so hidden, and for once I am thankful for feeling invisible. I am able to avoid bringing shame to my family through the misconstructions by other people of my condition. I even try to draw inspiration from my hardships like your story tells. My paintings begin to become more painful and real. I even mix my blood in with the paint for authenticity, though the government would have my head on a stake if I am discovered. They'd even kill me if they found out I had such an illness. The disease may contaminate the spirit of the dead, they would say. I come to you again with urgency. Previously I had no foreseeable limit of time, but now I fear my clock is ticking. I strive to make meaning of my life before I move on. I ask for your mentorship, and for you to bring me fulfillment. I hope to hear back from you shortly,

May you maintain good health,

Osiris Abasi

Who Am I

Dear Dr. Barnes,
I write to you from a land you may not be familiar with, far from your homeland of Turkey. Here in Egypt I am invisible. I am a simple citizen, suppressed under the dual rule of Emperors Probus and Domitius Domitianus. I live the same life as those around me, as far as I know. I have no excitement aside from my work; my art is the only source of originality and break of routine in my daily life. As much as a wish to be able to show my art to others, it is forbidden. I hold the rare occupation of being a tomb painter, the loneliest art there is. It is forbidden for those other than the painter to see this artwork, as I am the last person to leave a tomb before it is sealed. I don't even have to do my work if I don't want to but they threaten that I will be cursed and executed if it is discovered that I slack off. 
Anyways, my reason for contacting you is in search for more wholesome purpose in life. I want to obtain an audience for my work who aren't rotting in a grave, and who can actually appreciate the creativity I can produce. I ask you for mentorship because you are a legend among the increasing art community in Egypt. Your paintings are told to be exquisite, and I seek the pleasure of viewing them and working under your wing as an apprentice. Please consider this proposition, I one day hope to be able to leave my small house with my family to move on to more fulfilling activities to fill my time.
Best Wishes,
Osiris Abasi