Yes! [And then she starts swelling with pride.] Being able to communicate with one another is an absolutely vital aspect of any functioning society, even if that society is an underwater prison! Without it, literacy would stagnate and the foundations of interpersonal connection would crumble away into dust. Why, we are not able to speak and visit with our friends every day, but this does not mean we cannot know their feelings and thoughts!!
[And then something occurs to her, and she bursts her own bubble.] --er, oh, but I should mention we cannot send mail outside of the prison. I am deeply sorry.