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*Dionisia Fisk* · May 4, 2023 – 1:53 AM

1 May, 1893

Ben,

I hope this letter finds you in a good place. I know we only spoke briefly last time, but I promised to write and I've done a poor job at following through on that promise. I wish there was some grand excuse I could pin my forgetfulness on, but I don't suppose "motherhood" would suffice? Probably not, since every other woman with children manages to find the time in her day.

Elliot will be four next month on the 13th. I can't remember if I ever told you his exact date of birth. He's much taller since you saw him last—he's nearly up to my hip now. His hair has darkened a bit, but no darker than my own. He's learning how to write his name, but he usually forgets how many Ls and how many Ts belong in his first name. He loves quidditch and drawing and has been begging us for a kitten. I've never been good with animals, but I'm considering letting him try.

How have you been? Busy?

Don't be a stranger,
Dio

Reuben Crouch · May 4, 2023 – 3:22 AM

Dear Dionisia,

It's nice to hear from you. I don't mean that as a criticism over the lack of letters since we talked last, I just — genuinely, truly, it's nice to hear from you. I always enjoy hearing how Elliot is doing, but especially with everything lately.

It's not that I've been busy, actually. I've been distracted, is more accurate. And just dealing with a lot. It's nice to just pull back from it for a second and think about a kid somewhere who wants a kitten.

I should probably tell you, this month I'm changing my address. If you write me in June or later you should send your owl to London instead of Irvingly. Here's the full address: [...]

Thanks for the letter.

Ben

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*Dionisia Fisk* · May 7, 2023 – 4:00 AM

4 May, 1893

Ben,

The past few months have hardly felt real. I feel as though I've just turned my calendar from January to February, and now it's already May. My friends say having children will do that. Elliot's especially in that age where he seems to grow a shoe size every month and an inch taller every time I glance at him. I thought toddlers were a handful, but now he runs and hops and tells me I'm mean when I demand he eats his peas.

What I mean to say by all that is that I'm here if you ever need to talk. I know life can be overwhelming—I've been through my fair share of it myself recently. And I can't imagine makes the stress any easier.

Sincerely,
Dio

Reuben Crouch · May 7, 2023 – 4:12 AM

Dionisia,

I appreciate that. I don't think there's much to talk about, honestly, but I appreciate the offer all the same.

Maybe we could set up a time for another visit next month? If it's easier for you to get Elliot out of the house than to bring me there, you could both come to London. That's the silver lining of this transition, I guess. It would be great to see him more often, if it's manageable.

I imagine since he's getting so much older we're on borrowed time with these. You said before you didn't want to cut me out, but I still don't want to get you in trouble if Elliot says anything about me. Even if he does have an uncle Ben, eventually one of his stories about me wouldn't make sense and I'd hate to be the cause of trouble between you and your husband.

Ben

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*Dionisia Fisk* · May 7, 2023 – 4:31 AM

7 May, 1893

Ben,

Do you think it is wise to bring him somewhere your wife might see him? I don't know her, and I wouldn't assume the worst, but I can't imagine any woman would take well to seeing—well, you know.

You are free to come to my home. Your presence will cause no trouble, I can promise you. We have an understanding.

Sincerely,
Dio

Reuben Crouch · May 7, 2023 – 4:48 AM

Dionisia,

My wife will not be living in London.

Ben

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*Dionisia Fisk* · May 7, 2023 – 5:07 AM

9 May, 1893

Ben,

Oh. In that case, I suppose London would be better. Please let me know if you need anything. I moved quite a bit in my youth and it’s never been a smooth experience.

Dio

Reuben Crouch · May 7, 2023 – 5:23 AM

Dionisia,

Thanks. I'm not bringing much with me, so I think it will be alright. I'm already packed, actually, except for the things I need day to day. Just waiting for the London lease to start on the first. Trying to spend as much time as I can this month with my daughter before the transition.

I do appreciate the offer to help, and to talk. Even if I don't need it right now, it's nice to know it's there.

I've made a lot of mistakes in my life, and I regret a lot of them. I'm not going to try and say what happened between us years ago wasn't one of those mistakes, but I am glad that it gave us the chance to get to know each other. I'm glad you're in my life.

Ben

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*Dionisia Fisk* · May 7, 2023 – 5:41 AM

11 May, 1893

Ben,

I find myself tempted to once again write that I am always here. I’ve never been good with finding the right words, but my shoulder has always been a steady one for whoever needs to lean against it.

If anyone knows of mistakes it is me, with some more glaring now than they were even a year ago. But it is my opinion that children are never mistakes, even if the circumstances that brought them to us are less than ideal. I didn’t believe it four years ago, but I do now. I’m glad you’re in my life as well.

Hug your daughter tight. You’re a good father. I know it.

Dio

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