I’m frozen to the spot as I read the words addressed to my dead mother: ‘I have no choice but to forgive you… Not that you deserve it.’ A soft buzzing sound fills my ears as my world tilts.
What secrets was my mother hiding?
I struggle through the rest of the funeral, accepting word after word of sympathy. But all I can think about is that card burning a hole in my pocket.
My mother was everything to me, and I thought everyone loved her too. So what could this card mean?
Trying to push it out of my mind, I cling to my memories of her love and support.
We had breakfast together every morning and she’d always sipped her coffee from a chunky red mug I’d made her at school.
But then, I find more things that don’t make sense. Unpaid bills and empty bank accounts. More secrets she’d kept from me.
And when I stumble across my parents’ marriage certificate, my breath catches and falters. Because it’s not my mother’s name written there…
My heart beats faster in my chest. Was my mother who I thought she was? I need to find out who sent that card. But not just to uncover the truth… it’s my only chance to find out who I really am, too.
But when I do… will I be prepared to face the consequences of my mother’s lie?
