THE JOURNEY 

By Tessa Harvey

    Josie and Patrick had come home two days later, vastly relieved to find Thomas healthy and still on leave for another week. He did not like Josha and Jenna at first, feeling it too much for his parents, both in their early forties. But the children were very quiet and did everything they were asked, desperate to fit in and so admiring of this big man, following him around.
    Soon he had them, one on each knee, reading his favourite stories from childhood. 
    Then a letter came from Alice. It was very stilted and formal. Thomas was puzzled by the reference to "little brother." Only a year separated them in age.
    Patrick spoke to them as they went together to get milk and other groceries from the nearby shop. "Son, your sister is trying to protect you by making the German think you are of no consequence, a mere schoolboy." He paused. "I have an idea you work in Intelligence and if ever you can get word about Alice, let us know. We love you, son."

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