It is 300 BC. You are a Platonist. Your friend, also a student, has just been condemned to death by the Athenian Court. Write a letter preparing him for his last hours.

My dear Aias, For the first time in a long time I am lost for words, so there is some good news for you at least. I wonder is it will do any good to ask how you are feeling. I think it is probably obvious that you have many negative feelings. I propose then that we spend the duration of this letter meditating on what your execution implies so that you me be better …

…saying that I am fond of you, I love you like a brother loves a brother. I will miss you, this is true, but I am sure that we will meet again in another life. Perhaps your understanding will be more so than mine in that situation. If that is the case I certainly hope you allow a little knowledge to rub off on me. Goodbye dear friend, do not falter, do not fall, Neoptolemus.