How important is the letter that the girls receive from the Navy in the novel, Wilder Girls?

The letter the girls receive from the Navy symbolizes hope. It outlines the rules of the quarantine and pledges delivery of supplies while officials search for a cure. Hetty feels like their situation is simply a case of trying to stay alive until the officials solve the situation for them. The letter is such a strong symbol that the girls fall into the habit of touching it for luck when they leave the house.