Page 160 - My Home on the Earth

‘A wee bit surprised, that’s all. I’ll be fine, and thanks for the drink.’
He read the letter once, then again and again. Scenarios rushed through his head, most of them fearful. Is he on holiday or on a school trip? The sooner I get to Rauston Quay the better. I could drive there, find out where he is and bring him back here. Why isn’t he with Mel? Practical as ever, Alan returned to his house to figure out a plan. He’d require time off from work and somewhere to stay en route, unless he chose to travel by train. It was Saturday and the engineering office was closed for the weekend. He had no choice but to wait until Monday morning. Clutching his son’s letter, he left his house and went for a walk in the park across the road. He’d sat here for months hoping his wife and boy would get in touch. Whatever her reasons for not contacting him, he was pleased they were safe but mystified as to why they didn’t have an address. Why do I have to reply to the library. Whats’ all that about?
To an on-looker, his departure from Sorrenbridge might have appeared selfish, but he and Melanie had agreed that once he found a house in Scotland, they would move and make a fresh start and Jake could register at a new school. Their once regular mobile calls to each other related to Jake and his progress at the home where Jake gave his mum a letter every week to post to his dad. Alan didn’t receive any. He’d made enquiries at the home and they referred him to his wife as records showed the couple
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