Chapter 5 - THE LETTER THAT NEVER ARRIVED
Alexander called me the morning after the wedding.
I answered.
“Claire.”
His voice sounded exhausted.
I looked toward the kitchen.
Oliver and Emma were eating pancakes.
“Alexander.”
He swallowed.
“I need to know why you never told me.”
I closed my eyes.
“I tried.”
Silence.
Then he whispered, “What?”
I sat down.
“After the twins were born, I sent a letter.”
Alexander didn't speak.
I continued.
“It included copies of their birth certificates.”
His breathing changed.
“I never received anything.”
“I know.”
“Claire.”
I swallowed.
“The package was returned.”
He stared through the silence.
“Returned?”
“Yes.”
I looked down.
“The courier said the recipient refused delivery.”
Alexander's voice became cold.
“I never refused anything.”
I closed my eyes.
“I figured that out later.”
He was quiet.
Then asked, “Who signed for the refusal?”
May you like
I took a breath.
“Your mother.”
