Dear Father

[Acacia Ruskin]

January 20th, 1887

Dear Father,

It has been a stressful few months, and I'm not sure what to do. I have recently started talking to Crystal again, so at least that's something. It's so complicated. I just want it all to get better. What should I do?

Classes are fine, I have been focusing deeply on the work. Not too much to say with that.

How is home? Is that woman causing troubles? I'm sorry, I have a hard time calling her my mother, after leaving us for so long. I feel like I might never forgive her for such actions.

Your Eldest Daughter,
Acacia

  

[Martin Ruskin]

21 January, 1887

Acacia,

Honey, life is always going to be complacated. There is no way to make it any easier. The only thing you can do is work through all the tough times. You and your siblings are strong enough to face the world together. Especially you and Crystal; I know there are things that neither of you wish to tell me, and while that hurts it just means that you're both growing up. 

The only way to make like semisimple is to be honest with yourself. Writing down your emotions and thoughts is a great way to figure everything out. Don't hold your emotions in, tell Crystal that too, it's unhealthy and could be making everything seem worse than it is.

Focus on yourself before you focus on school. Grades are only letters. You, Acaica, are far more important than any grade -- OWL or NEWT -- could even hope to be.

Lisa, I'm not going to make you call her 'mother', and I'm not going to say 'Your Mother' you're old enough to decide what you want to call her, is still living here. Dunstan is still thrilled to have a mother in his life. Even if just for a year before he heads off to Hogwarts. I'm sorry that you and your siblings grew up with one parent instead of two.

The only problem your mother is causing is that she's not eatting as much as she should. She's drinking just often enough to keep herself mildly-healthy.

Love,
Dad

  

[Acacia Ruskin]

January 24th, 1887

Dear Dad,

You are right. And I must thank you for always trying to help me through my worries. I have been writing my thoughts down recently, in a journal, with hopes that it will help. I know that you worry about my siblings and I at times, and I try not to give you too much to worry about.

Father, there is something that I must tell you, something that Crystal and I should have told you a long time ago. We saw what happened. Crystal and I did. We saw mother try to kill you. I swear that we didn't tell our siblings, I don't know how they would have taken the information.

Also, we told them what we are, after you told us. Crystal insisted, saying that it wasn't right that they didn't know, and I agreed. I don't think Dunstan fully understood, when we told him, but Orinda seemed to understand.

I am shocked at the thought that Dunstan has warmed up to her so quickly. But, I am glad to know that my little brother is happy.

Be careful, please. Especially since she is not eating as much as she should. If that is the case, then I truly do not feel comfortable with her being there. I don't like the idea of her hurting either of you.

I'm sorry for not telling you what Crystal and I saw, and what we did for our siblings. And, there is something that I shouldn't say, something that I'm sure Crystal hasn't told you. But it's not my business to say, you must ask her. I suspect she's keeping something from me as well.

I do not mean to worry you, and I apologize if I do. I hope that you are well. I miss you, and Dunstan.

Love,
Acacia.