Theo

The sneakiest thieves are those who can hide in plain sight. That is the only reason I remain calm, cool and collected in a refined suit and my signature top hat, taking care to behave like wealthy English folk. My green eye is wandering, never resting on one thing for too long. London is disguised with rustic buildings, sweeping towers and immense and beautiful churches. But underneath all the glamour is the cruel grips of poverty, death and thievery. Although, in my opinion, thievery can be subjective. Golden watches and diamond rings aren't the only things up for the taking. Dreams, hopes and happiness remain within my grasp as well.

I see a joyful woman rounding the corner on Picadilly, her hope vibrating through the city. I give a good chase, and finally, I can get a grip on her happiness. I tug, and immediately the woman's face sours, her shoulders slump, and her content skip turns into a grudging stumble. I nod in satisfaction, feeling the slightest bit more powerful. I only just begin to become aware of my surroundings. I inhale deeply, allowing a rare fear to creep up to my chest. I avert my eyes from the familiar shop owners lining the streets, and the young women eyeing my figure. I turn to leave, knowing that no one is happy here, in my childhood neighbourhood. I certainly wasn't. That is, until I catch a glimpse of a small girl. Bright eyes, rosy cheeks, open smile. I understand that her hopes can help me find mine. And so, silently I follow her, not knowing the trouble she will cause me.

Rosy

I catch him stalking me as I wander home. Maybe some would be worried, but I know not a soul could hurt me here. After all, who could hurt poor, small, innocent Rosy? Suddenly, I feel a pull on my heart. I spin deftly, to find the young man staring at me in evident concentration, right out there in my front lawn. I notice an unusual anger and pain build up in my chest. I want to run at this strange man, ask him why this pain is hitting me now. So I do.

"Excuse me!" I run up to him, "what were you taking from me?" He looks at me in utter astonishment.

"I was making myself happier he says. There is a twinkle in his eyes, suggesting that the full truth has not yet been spoken. "Who are you? What's your name?" I demand. He stares at his hands.

"My name is Theodore. Theodore Woods. Theo for short." Theo looks at me in such a way that I blurt out, "My name is Rosy Greenfield."

"Well Rosy, I sure hope we meet again." I know the truth though. London is a big city, I'll likely never see him. "Wait! I want to help you gain happiness!" I shout. Theo's eyes are full of curiosity, and I am certain that curiosity is what propels him to inform that he will see me tomorrow. "I like you, Rosy Greenfield," he chuckled before bidding me farewell. Later that night, I wonder what kinds of fabulous adventures the world has i store for Theo and I.

Theo

It is infinitely strange for me that Rosy lives in my childhood neighbourhood, let alone my childhood home. Although, as I mentioned before, that place was not at all kind to me. I think of all this as I head down a gloomy West 23rd street to my flat. Every time I recall the fear and the insufferable pain of being abandoned, I shudder. Perhaps, in another reality, My childhood would have been glorious and pleasing. But it wasn't, so there is no point dwelling on the past.

I wake up every morning and head to Rosy's home at the same time. I like to think of this sweet girl as the apprentice I never hoped to have. I reveal to her things I would never reveal to anyone else. My secrets, my passions, my hopes. A minuscule part of me believes her to be my sister, my friend. My confidante. For the first time in my life, I finally have someone I trust.

Rosy

I am just finishing up breakfast with Mama and my younger brother William when there is a firm knock at the door. "Get it, Rosy!" Mama calls from the kitchen. I run from my spot feeding William and open the door wide, expecting the milkman. To my surprise, Theo stands at the door, forever dressed in an impeccable suit and top hat.

"What are you doing here at this early hour?" I hiss.

"I am taking you with me today!" he exclaims. "You wanted this!" My eyes widen. Finally! Mama sidles up to the door saying, "And who is this young man?" I shove her, wave and hurry out the door.

Theo's eyes scan the street. "There," he whispers, "that's the type we're looking for." I look along at a young man flouncing about with a young son. I watch carefully as Theo reaches his arm out scrupulously. Then, like lightning, Theo snatches at the empty air. The man has now forgotten about his son and has left him alone in the filthy streets. The son is wailing, wondering precisely why his father has left. I am hit with a sudden realization of sorts. I desperately hope Mama finds some reason to call me home soon, for I cannot believe what Theo is doing is the right way to make him happy and fulfill his life.

Theo

Rosy and I are heading back to her home in the receding late afternoon light.

"Well, I have had a great time today," Rosy says out of the blue. I am slightly taken aback by the cool tone of her voice. I just look at her, reserving a special smile for my only friend.

"Will you meet me at the garden's of Westminister Abbey tomorrow night?" Rosy, who isn't making eye contact, inquires. I nod my head in agreement, not daring to speak in fear that my voice would betray my sadness. I tend to tell myself I do not believe in feelings, because, sometimes, you let too much out and everything you ever loved could disappear in an instant. Including happiness. After all, as soon as I started to feel things, I got left alone in an alley with nothing but the clothing on my back. Why not take away from others what was taken away from me?