Disclaimer: I do not own Tale Of Two Cities

Charles had been tutoring a young boy who was ironically named Sydney. They had developed a friendship shortly after they started working together. One day, after Charles had returned to England Sydney was watching him interact with his family over suppertime. He had more then once been a guest at Charles' home and he had at this point become a good family friend.

"Mr. Darnay-" Sydney said

"I think you know me well enough and we have been friends long enough that you can undertake to call me Charles'," Charles replied.

"Charles then," Sydney said, "May I ask you something?"

"I believe you just did," Charles said laughing, "Ask on then"

"What you went through... in France had to have been so hard. It had to have been-"

"It was probably one of the top 3 worst experiences of my life," Charles said, "Second only to my youngest child dying and nearly losing my oldest."

"My question therefore," Sydney said, "Is how do you remain so positive? There were a few things that I observed which most people would have at least spoken in a sharp tone and possibly acted in a sharp manner and yet you were laughing and smiling throughout"

"That is an excellent question my boy. I daresay that there was a time where I did struggle not to get irritated with those things. There was a time where I often would have to force myself not to loose my cool. I had at times spoken without thinking and every time I did so I would regret it. It did take a lot of energy and my good friends would sometimes ask me why I take the time to stay in control instead of just doing what most people would do and be done with it.

During the time I was in La Force my life was grim. It was dark. It was cold. It was lonely. The food was not fit for a rat let alone a person and sometimes the rats were my only friends. I could not undertake to not cry. I would cry at night missing my family and the ones I love. My first thought in the morning was of my child and my wife. My last thought as I went to sleep was of my child and my wife. Every thought in between was of my child and my wife. During an experience like that you come to realize what is important. What is important is family. What is important is friendship. Most of all what is important is love. What do I care that my child spills her milk? She's a little girl. What do I care that my wife spent $500.00 for something she saw in the shop that she wanted. Anything that used to irritate me well it doesn't matter so much. I have them. That's all that matters. The things that need be worked out will be but they can be done in a way that is calm and in control with no negativity and communication alone. There is always a goal to focus on... always something higher to attain. That is one of the lessons I learned though my hardships."

"Thank you for explaining that," Sydney said.

"Sydney one thing," Charles replied, "always remember to remain positive. There will be times when it's a challenge as it was for me and it no longer is but always remember to love and appreciate the ones you love. I nearly lost the ones that I love and throughout the difficult times I learned what I have just taught you. You'd do well to remember it"

Sydney would remember it always and apply it every day.