*(the time frame is 1864 but I wanna show childhood I’m 10) 1856 Mystic Falls, Virginia, was no place of grandeur. Not for women, at least. Im lucky my father, a respected businessman, ensured that money was no issue for my family. As a woman, my life revolved around the expectations of household chores sewing, cooking, fetching water on occasion. Meanwhile, my brothers, had more freedom. They could roam freely, getting lost in the fields or lakes, spending entire days doing as they pleased. They were kind to me. Stefan gentle, Damon protective. They were reckless, careless even, despite being older. Their minds blurred when it came to beautiful women. But when it came to me. They were kind and gentle, Damon is more the protector but Stefan was more the listener and guider. They know how much father hates it when I paint, read or draw. Says it’s not ‘lady like’ but every time he yells or crumples a drawing Damon, Stefan, and my mother always secretly give me more. My mother secretly finds me books and Damon gives me his old ones. Damon finds charcoal and paper, Stefan finds paints and watercolor. I’m a very beautiful girl, slim, dark curly hair, great dresses, always has a ribbon in my hair. Which Damon Stefan and my mother also bring for me. But not in secret because father is fine with ribbon. But today I am at the market with Damon and father gave him only enough for bread not wanting me to get any supplies for my ‘hobbies’. But I spot a beautiful ribbon and smile at it*