Dear Søren,
Henrik came back for a visit this weekend and he is doing really well in Jutland. He has been clean for almost two months now and says that the staff at the rehab centre are brilliant. And they must be doing something right, I think. For the first time for as long as I can remember, Henrik was truly present with us and was able to spend time with Olivia and Sara. He even asked to hold Storm (photo attached).
We don’t yet know what will happen to him and me, but time will tell. As you probably know, he has taken leave from work for the rest of the year, but he is already talking about how much he is looking forward to returning after Christmas. I know that the two of you haven’t spoken yet, but I’m sure that is only a matter of time. I just want you to know that we are very grateful. You are a good friend.
Love, Jeanette
Søren clicked on the photograph and spent a long time looking at Henrik cradling his little son. It was impossible not to get emotional. Storm gazed up at his father as only babies know how. Then Søren braced himself and went into the living room to Anna, who was busy proofreading an article for a vertebrates magazine.
‘I really want us to have another baby,’ he said.
Anna looked up. ‘Right now?’ she enquired.
‘Soon,’ Søren said.
‘Will you be taking paternity leave?’
‘Of course,’ Søren said.
‘OK,’ Anna said, and carried on reading.
‘OK?’
‘Yes, just let me finish this,’ Anna said, without looking up.
‘No, I’m not going to just let you finish that,’ Søren said, and snatched her papers. ‘You’re going to go to our bedroom, where you will take off your clothes.’
Anna was about to protest, but then she smiled at him.
‘As you wish,’ she said, and got up.