Family the original F word

Dear Cousin Wes,
I’m your cousin Mindy’s daughter, not sure what that makes us in the “removeds” but somehow we’re still related. I would have written sooner, but I just found out you existed. I mean, your name is still mentioned in hushed tones, followed by the sign of the cross or spitting on the ground, depending upon who mentions it. But I didn’t realize you were still around. According to what I can pry out of Auntie Tilly, I think she’s an aunt to both of us, because her one sister was my grandmother and her other sister was your mother, who was my great aunt so that’s how we’re cousins.

Anyway, Auntie Tilly says you got a bum rap, and I tend to trust Auntie Tilly, even if her mind does wander a bit nowadays. This was at one of the July 4th family reunions, I think I might vaguely remember you from when I was really little, before Annie got that scar across her face. Anyway, you probably don’t remember me, I was one of many of the “little cousins,” you were hanging out with Jake and Bill, and the uncles.

So Uncle Jake says you deserve everything you’re getting, but then he’s Annie’s brother-in-law, and Auntie Tilly says that Billy, Jake’s brother got what’s coming to him. I don’t know all the details, and I think I’m not supposed to ask because you can’t discuss your case since it’s on appeal.

Auntie Tilly says that Annie woulda got her throat slit if you hadn’t stepped in. But Jake says Billy’d still be alive if it weren’t for you. Way I heard it, you and Jake were friends once. Billy asked you to introduce him to you little sister. Did you know Billy had a mean streak? I think it was brave protecting Annie.

Some of the family say I shouldn’t write to you. But Jesus says judge not, so I’m not going to judge you. Auntie Tilly said if I wrote to you, to send her love.

Your cousin,
Missy

— Lkai