July 5, 1859

Dear Lucy,

A boy now?  Really?  Be careful.  They are devilishly handsome, but handsomely devilish.  Not making any sense?  Wouldn’t be the first time.

I will have to deal with your food problem.  Can’t have you going hungry now, can we?  I have to perfect solution, don’t you worry.

And the problem about you not going to the celebration.  It was fun, let me tell you that much.  Don’t be surprised.  I do have some friends, you know, not just your grandmother.

Now, let me continue on with the story.

Julia was a stubborn old fool, even at a young age, let me tell you that much.  She didn’t listen to a single word anyone said, no matter if they were younger than her or older and more experienced.

This was not the case with Thomas.  He was a wise boy, even at his young age.  He didn’t say a word to your grandmother, and only made enough food for himself and worked for a long time while she was recovering, as she was, on her own.  She did everything on her own, whether people who knew her admitted it or not.  And that was exactly the way she liked it.

One day she completely snapped out of it, and it just so happened that on that day Thomas had a bit of extra food and water prepared, like he knew that that was the day that she would come to life again, or so he put it.  She scarfed it all down and drank deeply, and went to sleep almost immediately.  But not before she remembered to thank him for his kindness.

In the morning she woke up to a surprise.  She had completely expected Thomas to go about his life and leave her be to find her uncle on her own.  It was her uncle, after all, not his.  But for some reason, he had stayed.

Enough of that.  Are you still sleeping in the barn?

Forever more, Safiya