Chapter Text
January 15, 1990
Dear Anthony,
I'm going to start a series of letters for you, sweet sweet bébé. I will give them to you on your 18th birthday.
Let's start from the beginning.
Your father, Shinnosuke, has left us, and I guess this is my way of coping.
You're so, so little. Such a tiny thing. I remember just a few weeks ago, when I held you in my arms for the very first time. Your dad did look pretty deadpan when you finally emerged.
He did hurt me a lot. The hitting wasn't okay.
I'll teach you better than that.
I don't know how you made it out of the womb- but it tells me a lot about you already. You're going to be such a strong boy. You're doing so well. I may be sleepy, I may be heartbroken, but I have you. My son.
I will protect you with every inch of my being.
Love,
Maman
—
August 7, 1990
Dear Anthony,
You're growing so fast! It's not okay!
I haven't heard from your father in months. But that's okay. I'll only see him in court soon, and I know for a fact I'll be able to keep you every single day until you leave the nest. Wuhu Island is such a great place to live.
It's so cute when you hide in the cabinets. I love it when I open it and see you sitting amongst the pots and pans, giggling with your two tiny bottom front teeth that are coming in.
I will never forget your love of mashed peas. Oh my goodness. You just ate those UP. I just want to hold you forever in my arms.
Anthony, never doubt for a second that I love you. You're my baby boy. Your father can kiss my ass.
Love,
Maman
—
December 28, 1990
Dear Anthony,
Your first steps were so special to me. Hearing you babble "Mamamamama" and trying to come to me has set my heart ablaze with maternal love.
You're going to be 1 soon. I can't believe it. And what better birthday present than to be awarded full custody of you?!
I'm already getting old. Someone pinch me!
Takashi and Yoshi are so smitten with you. I can't wait to invite them over.
Anyway, I can't wait to bake your birthday cake. It's going to be vanilla with chocolate frosting!
Love,
Maman
–
January 5, 1991
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANTHONY!
I can't believe you are a year old now! You've grown so much from when you were born!
It really is a time to reflect, so many changes in a year.
It's just me and you, Anthony. Me and you against the world. I've made so many new friends along the way. Do you remember Yoshi? Yoshi loves to hold you while I practice. She's coming over later today. I think she's getting you a present. Maybe a table tennis paddle. A stuffed one, because you're still little and like to chew things. Takashi said he's getting you some new clothes and a Frisbee. I know you love watching all the Frisbee dogs. Maybe he'll teach you how to throw it, though you still have a ways to go in your motor skill development. I'll make sure you don't chew on it. I know I'm definitely getting you some teething toys.
I can't wait, Anthony. I can't wait for the future.
Love,
Maman
–
March 18, 1991
Dear Anthony,
It was a great day. You loved the cycling race today. You were babbling. Although you did want the beach more than anything else. I'm assuming you wanted to see the Frisbee doggies. They weren't out today. I wish I could get them for you. It was hard seeing you cry. But you can't always get your way, you know.
It was adorable seeing you walk around the house today. You are really starting to love sweet potatoes and corn. I can't wait until you're old enough to eat everything I like. I hope you'll like those things.
Nothing is finalized yet with your father. All I know is that you won't be forced to see him. I'll keep you safe from him. I promise. You can decide for yourself when you're an adult but for now, I am protecting you with all my heart and all my soul.
Love,
Maman
–
February 9, 1992
Dear Anthony,
Your first word. "Mama." It was so special just being able to feed you the word "Mama".
Of course, I'll make sure you know French. My family came here from France centuries ago, and despite your father's Japanese genes showing oh-so-greatly on your sweet little face, I want you to know my home language. Of course, you'll also know Wuhuian, and you'll learn English too. You'll be a cute little linguist.
I'll teach you some French insults when you're older. You'll definitely need them if you ever encounter your father! Ha!
I'm so proud of you, Anthony.
Love,
Maman
–
June 14 , 1993
Dear Anthony,
I've been having quite a time. Your father's trying to contact me again.
I'm ignoring him. All I care about right now is you.
My loneliness has been quite dwindled by you, Takashi, and Yoshi. Yoshi's going to watch you tonight while I treat myself to a movie. I've always wanted to see this movie. I wish I could bring you, but it's sadly too inappropriate for your precious eyes.
Being three isn't easy, I know. I don't really remember when I was three years old. But I know my father was around. He was a great dad. It's a shame he's passed on. But I know you love Takashi. Maybe he'll be your father figure.
I know he's a better dad than Shinny.
Love,
Maman
–
September 10, 1993
Dear Anthony,
I made a mistake. I thought your father wanted to reconcile. But it's too late now.
You're going to be a big brother. I'm working to get a restraining order now, and to take this further.
I was certainly not expecting him to make you a baby sibling. But everyone makes mistakes.
Anthony, when you read this, I hope you have learned or will learn: never get in bed with someone who has wronged you.
I am grateful for my support system of Takashi and Yoshi. They're going to be a great help caring for you and for your incoming sibling.
I love you both very, very much. I will do all I can to make sure you have the happiest and healthiest Wuhuhian childhood possible under our circumstances.
Why don't you think of some names, Anthony?
Love,
Maman
–
February 28, 1994
Dear Anthony (and unborn baby),
It's a girl! A baby sister. I know you've been begging for a baby sister since I told you that there's a baby in my belly. You'll get the answer to the more complicated question when you're older.
What do you want your baby sister's name to be? I know Yoshi suggested a few names. Takashi too. I'm starting to like Audrey. Another A name. Anthony and Audrey. Seems like cool names for a sibling pair.
I'll include her in your letters too once she's born. I love you both equally. I always will, no matter what you achieve in life.
I have enough room in my heart. It is ever-expanding.
I cannot wait to add another member to our little family.
Love,
Maman