Sharon put her uniform jacket on the back of the chair at the cottage. Will I ever see Linda back here, stuffing her face with fish and chips?
She turned back to the door and saw a letter leaning up against the baseboard. It had been pushed through the mail slot.
Sharon bent over, scooped the letter up, and read the return address. The name Patrick O’Malley was written in the top corner. She sat down and used her nails to peel back the envelope flap. Her thumb and forefinger picked out the letter and unfolded it. Possibilities ran through her mind, then she began to read.
DEAR SHARON,
I’VE BEEN WRITING THIS LETTER FOR A FORTNIGHT.
YOU HAVE A BROTHER. THERE, I’VE SAID IT. A HALF-BROTHER.
BUT THERE’S NOTHING HALFWAY ABOUT SEAN.
I’D LIKE YOU TWO TO MEET. PERHAPS YOU COULD GET A DELIVERY
TO BIGGIN HILL FOR AUGUST 18TH? IT’S HIS ELEVENTH BIRTHDAY, AND
I THINK IT WOULD BE A GOOD TIME FOR THE TWO OF YOU TO MEET.
YOUR FATHER,
PATRICK
Sharon read the letter again. I have a brother. She closed her eyes and savoured the euphoria.