To Learn To Fall (Sequel to the Other Side)

Letter Seven

To my friend,
Hercules Mulligan,

You are yet another person whom I've always underestimated.

Thank you, first and foremost, for coming to the Ball with me, even if it didn't exactly work out like we wanted it to. There is only so much we can do and plan for after all.

Second of all, thank you for telling me what you did. About Lafayette.

Before, I didn't want to do this. I wanted to give up, to flee. I kept desperately searching for the coward's way out. I wanted to save myself and leave the world behind.

But what you said that night resonated deep inside of me. I've had a lot of time to think about it, but I didn't really need that much. The instant you said it, those words stuck with me for a very long time.

And I realized that I have to fight.

Everybody has to lose things important to them. It's part of life, and no matter how hard we try, it cannot be avoided. But because of you, I've realized that what I have to lose, I will give it up for the Revolution. For the people I love.

And I cannot ask for anything more from you.

You've never quite struck me as someone philosophical or deep. I used to write you off as headstrong and violent. An act first and think later kind of guy, but I guess I was wrong.

There really is a lot more to you beneath the surface, and I apologize for not being able to see it before.

When this war is over and when we win, I know you will go on to do great things if that's what you want to do. If not, then I wish you a happy peaceful life filled with nothing but the things you desire.

I hope Lafayette forgives you. I really do. Maybe there's a little bias behind that wish, but you really do deserve happiness.

I truly admire your bravery, your virtue, and the intelligence you keep hidden from the world, whether purposefully or not.

Yours,
Thomas