Philidosia

Dear Theodosia

1831

"Un duex trois quatre cinq six sept huit nuef"
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

(Listen to take a break if you haven't)

"Six sept huit nuef" Theodosia repeats while tapping the piano keys

"Good"

"Un duex trois quatre cinq six sept huit nuef"

"Sept huit nuef" She repeats

"Ok now together"

"Un duex trois quatre cinq six sept huit nuef" we say in unison.

Theodosia tray turns 9 today and I turn 50. People say I look pretty young for my age and I guess I could agree. I look the same as if I was 19 but my hair is a lighter brown.

Every year on this day we go visit Theodosia and say a prayer over her. Then we basically do whatever we want around town.

Hercules passed away a couple years after Theo did. William became less cheerful and more productive. Death can do something weird to people, It can make you feel different things that you've never felt before.

"What was Mom like Pa?" Theo asks while reading

"Oh she was beautiful you look a lot like her you have her beautiful curly hair and her pretty skin color"

"The kids at school would treat me differently because Of my skin color and then they would be surprised when they see that you are my father" She says in her squeaky voice

I got mad and closed her book and bent down in front of her.

"Listen Theo those kids are nothing but a bunch of little bastards and you can do anything you set your mind too no matter what background you came from or what your race is no matter who your parents are it only matters what's in here" I say pointing to her brain

She smiled and gave me a hug.

"I know I never met her but I miss her" She whispers softly

"Me too"

At night I head to my room and see a little pink star necklace. I remember I never had the chance to give it to Theodosia. More tears start rolling down my eyes when I think about how it was our last Christmas and she was only in pain and fear. A lot of people would remarry if they have been widowed at a young age but I could never love anyone else. I walk out of my room with the necklace and lay it on Theo's nightstand and give her a kiss on her forehead.

She'll love it!

1835
I decided to not run for secretary and just stay a lawyer so I can be there for Theo at all times. I'm sure my Paps would've been proud. Angie comes over often to help me and comfort me whenever I would randomly break down. My mom was also a great help to Theodosia. She was always excited to see her Grandmother.

I would often go through mental breakdowns and try to cut myself with the same knife that Theo would try and cut herself with when she was alive.

Theo Tray's POV

I saw my dad in a curled up ball crying and then watched as he went into the bathroom still sobbing. He often did this a lot and I knew it would take a lot before he was to try and cut himself. So I began to write.

Dear Grandma

Hello I was wondering if you could stay over tonight. I'd hate to be a burden but I'm afraid my father is trying to cut himself again and maybe you could help him. Thank you