Emma

Emma went into her room and locked the door. She was intrigued by the fact that this letter had no address on the back. Whenever she wrote letters and tried to post them without her address on the back, the people at the post office wouldn't let her. So she lay on her bed and hugged the stuffed bird Olivia had given her for her last birthday.

My dearest Emma,

(Deep breath) By doing this I am breaking most of the rules but it was absolutely necessary. Firstly you need to apologise to Olivia she is the best possible friend. You can't imagine how much pleasure it brings me to see you happy but when you are sad, I am also filled with grief. I am sure you didn't mean to hurt Olivia's feelings because that is not the kind of person you are.

I was overwhelmed with joy when Charlie Bone and his friends 'woke you up'. This proves that he would be a worthy boyfriend for Olivia. I think Tancred is a good boy and he will protect you from any harm. Please darling, look after your aunt. She was and still is a loving yet fragile woman and I am pleased to see she found someone special. I have always loved you both but I thought you deserved better than me which is why, it grieves me deeply, I decided to give you up as an infant. If I could I would go back and keep you forever in a heartbeat and make sure you were safe but sadly I am unable. In all my years up here (in heaven) I have never managed to find your mother (I think she is hiding from me because of what I did but I cannot blame her) but I am sure she loves you as much as I do and I need you to know that. Also please tell Julia I am terribly sorry for the pain I have caused her.

Much love, your father.

By the time Emma had finished reading the letter the tears running down her face were unstoppable. So many thoughts were running through her mind and for the first time ever she decided to pray.

"Dear Dad,

If you can hear me I just want to start by saying hello. Although I wish you hadn't done what you did I forgive you. It happened many years ago and I don't even remember it. I must say it has brought me a great life and so many wonderful friends, one especially who I hope will forgive me." She took a breath, she didn't know how to pray because she had never done it and wasn't sure she was doing it right but she continued nonetheless. "I am sad that we never met, at least that I can remember, but I am slightly mad at mum for not forgiving you because it definitely seems like it has haunted you all these years. So mum if you can hear me, please forgive dad. Umm, amen." She ended thinking it sounded familiar.

'I have to show auntie this letter' she thought to herself.

When Julia read it aloud so Paton could also hear, she cried so much it caused Emma to start crying anew.

"I forgive you." Julia said hugging Emma and then Paton put his arm around them both and then after a while of silence (except for the sound of the occasional sniffle) Paton realised how late it was and sent Emma to bed and then helped Julia up the stairs even though it was unnecessary.