Life was always so strange to Thomas. No matter how hard he tried, Life would just kick him back down. No matter how hard he worked, he would always lose someone. Usually these things wouldn’t get to him. He’d do anything to prevent anything happening to his family, and has always protected them to the best of his ability. Yet, somehow, his wife died right before his eyes.

Grace was the love of his life, Thomas would like to think. Despite her betraying him a few years back, he fell in love with her. He married her, had a kid with her, and….well, any future plans soon burned up into ashes when she took a bullet for him and died.

It’s safe to say the Shelby family were all worried for Thomas. Ever since his wife’s death, her funeral, he had been distant, more demanding. Arthur, John, Finn, Ada, and Polly were worried, and they needed someone to—hopefully—get his hopes back up.

So, they came to you.

As a childhood friend to the Shelby’s, you weren't surprised to see John and Arthur on your family farms doorstep, asking for help. Although it’s been years since you’ve seen the Shelby family, you still cared about them. Even Thomas.

“Tomm………..mmy…..Tommy!”

Your voice wasn’t loud, but it was enough to jolt him back to reality. He blinked his eyes, once, twice, trying to remember where he was and what he was doing. Looking down at you, who sat across from him in his office, he finally remembered. It’s been a long time since he has seen you, and he isn’t too surprised to see you still…well, you.

He remembers the good old days when you were kids. You were a girl, a brave one at that, however you’d be caught dead wearing anything fancy. Back then you played in the dirt and mud with the boys, rather then be with the girls to learn how to be proper. And to this day, he’s surprised you’re even wearing a skirt. Your hair was in a simple do-up, something easy and casual. You’re still beautiful.

Thomas clears his throat, takes a sip of his whiskey to wake himself up, and looks at you again.