Revolutionary | Hamilton

Prologue

  Josephine sat quietly at the top of the stairs, listening to pacing steps on the lower floor.  Her eyes watched a petite figure shift uncomfortably behind the dining table.  Her eyes stung, tears threatening to spill as she listened the her parents conversation.  

"Why must you leave?  Can't you stay until tomorrow afternoon?  She won't get to say goodbye if you leave so late."  Her mother sighed wearily, lack of sleep taking a toll on her.  

It was far past Josephine's bedtime, but she had stayed up late for the past two weeks, determined on knowing the topic of her parents distress.  She had often only heard snippets of what was going behind closed doors, but things like her "bond with her father" and "taking a break from the stress" were key points of every conversation.

"I can't afford that, Franny.  I'm not the most liked person at the office, I'm not sure how'd they feel if I didn't cooperate."  Her father argued, coming into Josephine's view.  He ran hand through his already disheveled hair, tugging gray strands between his fingers.  

That was always a big topic; Father's work.  His job was the Philips' main source of income, Josephine's mother staying at home to help with cleaning and cooking.  Though they did have wealth, it was spent on their home, food, bills, and their only child's happiness.  They were a family who didn't believe in slavery, all work was done by themselves.  Francine did all the housework, having her daughter aid in things like folding clothing, sweeping the floors.  Charles worked for a smaller law firm, being paid generously for the size of the operation.  He constantly worked to keep his family afloat, Sundays often being his only day's off.  This trip would be his longest since Josephine could remember; 3 weeks.  

"I'm sure they couldn't hold spending time with your wife and daughter against you."  Josephine's mother said, pleading.  

"Those men are business men, Francine.  Their cold hearts surely can hold that against me."  He told her, aggravated.  Josephine knew her father had stressed over leaving the house for work, especially with her mother constantly imploring him to stay for the better of the family.  She watched as he grabbed his previously packed bag, walking solemnly towards the door.  He huffed, turning to his wife to bid a physical goodbye.  They hugged each other tightly, both not wanting to let go of the other.  When they pulled away from the embrace, Josephine's father turned to the door, reaching for the knob.

Before she knew it, Josephine pattered her way down the stairs, her arms clinging to her father's legs.  Loose pant bunched in her hands, a few tears falling down her pale face.  Her father looked down before kneeling to her side, bringing her into a bone-crushing hug.  

"You'll be fine.  I'll come home as soon as possible, I promise."  He cooed into her hair, wiping stray tears from her freckled cheeks.  

"P-P-Promise?"  The 7-year old stuttered, her bottom lip involuntarily jotting out as she stuck out her pinky.

Charles interlaced his smallest finger with his daughter's, "Promise."  

+'+

Josephine ran through the front garden, her light blue dress hitting the back of her calves as her slender legs bolted across the grass.  Her blonde-brown hair billowed in the warm summer breeze.  She occupied herself in front of the Philips home after kneading dough with her mother, now waiting for it to rise.  She dreamily watched as neighboring boys and girls played games of tag and hide and seek in the sun.  She loved to watch the younger kids happily trot along the streets, pure bliss on their faces as they enjoyed the great summer weather.