Dear Theodosia...

Prologue

Theodosia sat beside Philip in the living room, a comfortable silence between them as she watched him reading his book. A mix of emotions swirled within her mind. After a few moments, she spoke up, her voice soft. "Philip...?" He looks up from his book.

"Yes, dear?" He responds. Theodosia took a deep breath, her heart suddenly feeling heavy in her chest.

"Can I ask you something?" she whispered, her eyes searching his face for any sign of hesitation.

"Can you?" He says playfully as he sets his book down. Theodosia rolled her eyes at his playful retort, but a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. She found comfort in his lightheartedness, even amidst her nervous and anxious feelings.

"Oh, you're impossible," she chuckled softly. "But I'm serious, it's.. it's important."

"Alright, alright. What's up?" He sits up and looks at her intently. Theodosia took a deep breath, mustering up her courage. The words felt heavy in her throat, but she knew she had to say them.

"It's just..." she began, her voice unsure. "A year has passed... and things have been so difficult, seeing you in pain, watching you struggle to heal..." Her fingers fidgeted with a loose thread on her dress as she continued. "I know you've made incredible progress.. but there are times when I worry, when I wonder if you'll ever be completely better. If we ever return to the life we had before..." There is a short silence. "I'm not sure. I mean.. At least I'm not dead?" Philip was always optimistic and playful, even in the worst scenarios. He was always there to put a smile on her face and cheer her up. Theodosia let out a small, shaky laugh, though there was no humor in it. "That's true," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "You're still here, and for that I'm eternally grateful."

She paused, her eyes downcast as she toyed with the loose thread on her dress. "But what if this is it... what if you never fully recover? What if you're always in pain, always living with a limp?" Philip looks up at her and smiles for caring about him. "Then so be it. I'm willing to make that sacrifice to be here with you." He says with a pained smile. Theodosia's heart swelled with both pain and love at his words. She hated the idea of him living with lingering pain and limitations, but she also adored his devotion to her.

She reached out and gently touched his arm, her fingers tracing the fabric of his shirt. "You shouldn't have to make such sacrifices," she whispered, her voice tight with emotion. "I want you healthy and strong, not living in pain and discomfort." He places his hand on her cheek and turns her face to look at him. "You don't have to worry about me. I'll be fine. What matters is that I'm here with you." Theodosia knew that Philip could be stubborn, and arguing with his determination would be pointless. She gently squeezed his arm, her eyes meeting his gaze.

"I know you say that now," she said quietly, "but what about years from now? Decades? Will you still be saying the same thing?" Philip takes his hand off her cheek and gently holds her hand.

                                                                                 "Forever..."