The waif

I understand that you weren’t expecting me to bring home the waif today. I’ve heard whispers around town about plans to sacrifice the boy, and it weighs heavily on my heart. Ever since I took on this Lordship role, I’ve been so consumed with responsibilities that I haven't had the chance to connect with the lives of our townspeople on a personal level. Timothy, Timmy, has been living on the fringes of our community for quite some time now. From what I’ve gathered, his tragic history is marked by the loss of his parents—his mother passed away during childbirth while his father succumbed to illness. I feel a strong sense of duty to care for those under my protection. When I learned that Timmy was to be sacrificed, something deep within me stirred; I knew I had to ensure his safety.I want to reassure you that, although we haven't spoken much about the grief of losing our own child—who left us far too soon—Timmy is not meant to be a replacement. The sorrow lingers, and when I look at Timmy, I can see fragments of what we once cherished. I truly hope you can find it in your heart to offer him the kindness and warmth that I know you possess. Show him that goodness still exists in this world, even when times feel bleak.