The letter arrives without an immediately obvious sender, enclosed with a small parcel of chocolate bonbons and lively pink and yellow flowers.

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3rd of June, 1893
Caroline,

You know how I remember this day? It coincides with National Black Bear Day in the United States, which happened to be the same evening in Montauk where we spoke with a park ranger at length about our imminent upstate adventure through the mountains. I do believe he terrified the hell out of us with his quizzes between grizzlies and black bears, so we never went. Although, I sure do know a lot about their claws and ear shapes now-- not that we run into many bears in London or Hosgmeade.

Hiking plans or not, I hope that you have a wonderful birthday, and that you're absolutely spoiled for the day and surrounded by those you love.

Thomas

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Caroline Darrow

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beauteous set by bee <3

The letter is not dated but was written on June 3, it did not arrive to Tommy until June 7

T,

How kind of you to remember my birthday. Thank you so much for the lovely gifts, they brightened my day immensely.

I do remember that day with great clarity, witch I might be, but I do not think I could have taken on a bear. I remember joking that I might take on a griffin instead, but even now that seems foolish. Not that one sees many of those around the British Isles either. I quelled at even the thought of giant spiders when they threatened Irvingly last summer, but I believe my weakness might be excused with the fact that at the time it was believed to be a mass murderer. Still there are days I wish for the bravery of naivity. It seems with each year I grow older that bravery dims with the knowledge of the claws of savage beasts and not just the beauty of the world. Perhaps this is the curse of having a birthday?

Caroline

  

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