[name_f]True[/name_f] [name_m]Dominic[/name_m] [name_m]Haddon[/name_m] (28) is the oldest of Daumiers’ maternal uncles, and a complicated figure in the eyes of his Aunt [name_f]Automne[/name_f]. Being the first of 5 children, [name_f]True[/name_f] often felt a sense of responsibility, especially where setting a good example is concerned. The financial stresses their parents faced led to him working from the moment he could, and this directed a lot of his future: for [name_f]True[/name_f], what was important became the here and now, seeing that stability was maintained.
He also taught himself to suppress a lot of his emotions, starting when [name_f]Hope[/name_f] became ill, and it became a source of comfort for his other siblings, as well as their parents, who were devastated by this turn of events. On a surface level, the fact [name_f]True[/name_f] barely speaks of this time seems callous and almost unkind - he actively shuts down when his brothers’ or sister ask him about his memories, and barely speaks to [name_f]Hope[/name_f] about it either - but really, the fear, uncertainty and shock are feelings he wants to be as far away from as possible at all times.
These complexities are what led to his dismissive attitude when [name_f]Hope[/name_f] won her scholarship and began making plans to travel. Really, [name_f]True[/name_f] felt he’d failed by opting to become a mechanic, worsened by the fact he’s never been particularly academic, however he’s trying to do things right with [name_f]Evie[/name_f], never making such remarks about her interest in engineering.
Deep down, [name_f]True[/name_f] wonders if [name_f]Hope[/name_f] feels any shame regarding their family, given how sophisticated and cultured the Mézards’ must seem in comparison to the humble beginnings of the Haddons’. Although he understands why she wanted to leave, he fears that one day the siblings could end up disconnected, given it’s difficult enough to spend time with [name_m]Daumier[/name_m] thanks to finding a time everyone can visit, as well as accommodation that isn’t ridiculously expensive - as [name_f]True[/name_f] never wants the Mézard family to feel put upon by requests to stay with them.
Things are going to be colliding sooner rather than later though, as [name_f]True[/name_f] recently became engaged to his high school sweetheart - who works as a nurse - and he’s extended the invitation to [name_f]Automne[/name_f] alongside [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] and Mr and Dr. Mézard, as he wants [name_f]Hope[/name_f] to not feel she has to abandon her new life when returning to see their family. But still, he can’t help but wonder if his accomplishments will seem unimpressive and he won’t be doing right by his brothers and sisters.
Chord was created by @CherryBomb50 