To My Children

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They say children are not responsible for the sins of their fathers, yet at the same time we still pay the price for Adam’s mistakes. And so, I worry that all the misfortunes that befell us over the years – Alin’s passing, Esme’s sickness – aren’t mere coincidences but punishments for my despicable deeds. Who knows what other pains await you, how much suffering the Heavens shall demand from my kin to make up for my many transgressions.

And so, I write this letter for two reasons. First, to apologise to you for what I have done, and the infamy I brought upon our blood. Second, to warn you that you shall expect no grace from the Lord, no love nor protection. Nay, you should rather beware of the Devil’s whispers, for he smells the reek of sin from afar and is drawn to it.
I witnessed this firsthand in a land called Flanders, in the year of 1328.

That day–
That day I–
Having received my orders, my–
At the time, I was–
Blinded by promises of treasure, I–

Miserere mei, Deus.