Chapter 10 Writing back

Two weeks later, it was Megan's turn to receive a letter. When she saw it lying on the floor by the front door, her heart jumped. She knew it was from Huw. She sat with a cup of coffee, looking at the envelope. Finally, she opened it. Some photographs fell out. And there he was - smiling at her. She smiled back at him, her eyes full of tears.

My dearest Megan — after fifty years it's good to say that again. Thank you for writing to me, but why didn't you tell me about Beth? No, I don't think I need to ask that question.

As I'm sure you know, she wrote and explained everything. I think it's wonderful that we have a daughter. But, Megan, I wish... so many things!

I'm trying to picture your life with a baby. Did you marry? Did Beth grow up with a father? How much did you hate me all those years for leaving you alone?

I need to know more than letters and photographs can tell me. Would it be all right if I came to Tredonald to see you and Beth? I want the three of us to get to know each other.

I'm sending you some photographs of me and my family. I have a son, Mike, and two lovely grandchildren...

Megan read to the end of the letter. Beth had told her about writing to Huw, so that wasn't a surprise. But to actually read his words and see his face again - it was almost too much for her.

It was time for Megan to speak to Beth. They had to make a decision together. Did they want Huw back in their lives, or should they continue as before - just the two of them. And then there was Paul to consider.

Huw waited impatiently for an answer from Megan. In his head, he had many wonderful conversations with the two of them. But he knew that it was not going to be that easy.

Then soon after his letter to Megan, he received a reply - just a short letter with a photograph of two women.

'My God! ' he said quietly, talking to her photo. 'Just look at you! You're still my lovely Megan. And this is our daughter, is it? Yes it is, I can see it is.'

He then turned to the letter and read it through until he reached the final two lines:

PS Here's a photo of Beth and me which was taken in the sitting room above the shop. Remember?

Remember? How could he forget - they had loved each other in that same room fifty years before. He remembered the feel of her soft lips and the smell of her dark hair.

He looked back at the photograph. The two women were sitting on a sofa together and holding hands, both of them looking at the camera and smiling. Huw stood in front of the studio window and cried. So many years had passed and so much time lost. Seeing how close Megan and her daughter were, it was painful to think that he had not been a part of it. He turned the photograph over. On the back was the date and the words, 'Beth and I would like to meet you.'

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