章 1: Humble Beginnings
It is spring of 1878 at Lord Thompson's home. The father of young Theodore is busy trimming the hedges around the grounds while his mother is in the manor's kitchen preparing the family's dishes.
Lord Thompson is related to Queen Victoria and one of the nobles in Britain. They have a son who never goes out, even on the grounds of the manor. People rumored that Lord Thompson never let his son out of the estate and exposed him to the lower class children. The nobles think that his son is well-behaved, while the maids believe that the lord spoiled him too much because he is an heir and next in line. Theodore never got a chance to meet the boy though his parents said he has the same age as him.
Young Theodore never got a chance to go to school as his family can't afford his education. However, they can afford old books on different subjects. It amazes him when he reads about chemistry and anatomy. He dreamed of being a doctor one day, though his parents tell him the harsh reality of life.
"Many people look down on us because we are poor," his father said. "However, that doesn't stop you from dreaming of becoming one."
Theodore would smile at his parents' words though he understands that the world is unfair for someone like them. Both of his parents are uneducated and grew up on hard labor. It is already enough for him when they have food on the table, a shelter to live in, clothes behind their backs, and living a happy life.
Every morning, Theodore would run errands or sell newspapers around London to earn money for his family. People would pass by him and ignore him. There are times that other kids would bully and steal his earnings, leaving him with nothing when he gets home.
One day, a group of children was teasing him and forcing Theodore to hand over his money. As he struggled, a small-statured boy ran to him and fought the bullies, saving Theodore. As the boys ran off, the young lad turned to him.
"You all right?" the boy said.
"I'm fine, thank you," Theodore said. "I think they are going to go after you for what you have done."
"It's nothing. I'm James Parker, by the way."
"Theodore King."
The young lads shook their hands and became good friends. Theodore found out that James is working as a shoe shiner at one street, and he asked Theodore to join him with a promise of a good salary. Theodore accepted the job and decided to start tomorrow.
"Do you have a family, James?" Theodore asked. James shook his head.
"My dad is in jail for stealing a loaf of bread from a bakery," James said. "My mom works at night. How about you?"
"I do have a family," Theodore answered. "They are both working for Lord Thompson. The money is not much, but we can live by it."
Theodore noticed that James was jealous because he has a home and a family to feed him. Theodore pitied him, and it gave him an idea.
"Don't you worry," Theodore said. "I will ask my parents to have you come over to our home and have dinner with us."
James was shocked to hear that Theodore offered him a meal with his family. As much as he loved to, he refused the opportunity.
"Why not?" Theodore asked.
"I don't want to be a bother to anyone," James replied. "It was nice hearing that you have a family, but I am happy to be this way. Besides, my house is bigger than any wealthy men out there."
"Really? Where?"
"Everywhere!" James exclaimed, and both children laughed.
The boys chatted until the sunsets. They bid goodbye as James went off while Theodore ran back to his home, excited to tell his parents that he made a friend while working.
When he arrived home, his father had already made dinner, porridge, and bread made from bolted wheat flour. Luckily, his mother was able to bring home some leftover meat. They all sat down around the table as Theodore was smiling.
"You seem so happy today, son," his father said. "Anything happened today?"
"Well, I met a kid who is the same age as me," Theodore said. "He is a kid living in the streets. I wanted him to come over for dinner, but James doesn't want to. However, he gave me a job as a shoe shiner, and I will meet him tomorrow."
"That's good news," his mother said. "You can ask him to come here for dinner sometime."
Theodore's eyes twinkled. His parents agreed to have a friend over. He continued to eat his dinner. He doesn't care if there are times that the food can be bland, but enjoying the supper with his family is already enough.
His mother started to clean the dishes as his father accompanied Theodore to his bedroom. He changed his clothing and climbed to bed as his father sat down on the edge of the bed.
"How did you meet James?" his father asked. "It seemed like he made you happy today."
"Well..." Theodore said. "He saved me from a group of kids while I was selling newspapers around London. Afterward, he introduced himself and helped me in selling the remaining newspapers. We even talked about his family and our family."
"Really? What does his family do?" his father grew curious.
"His father is in jail because of theft. He said that his father stole a loaf of bread from a bakery. His mother, on the other hand, works at night."
Hearing James's background gave his father a slight pang in his heart. He immediately remembered his childhood. Growing without a parent beside you is scary. You have to find your way to survive. He was lucky enough to work in Lord Thompson's manor.
Theodore yawned after telling James's story to his father. He turned back from his father and fell asleep in a few seconds. His father smiled, kissed his forehead, and turned the knob on the oil lamp to dim the room. He stood up from the bed and slowly went out of the door. He whispered, "Good night, my son."
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