Imagine my shock when Maddy wrote to me. We emailed back and forth for a few months. She stopped writing quite suddenly in September. I guess some doubts must have got to her. Of course I respected her wishes and did not push her to change her mind or explain. I really hope I did not offend her in any way. Maybe the situation was too much for her, especially doing it on her own. Maybe when she is older she will want to talk to me again and, who knows, maybe meet each other someday. I have to be honest and say that it was an amazing thing getting to know Maddy, even that short time. I guess it is not every day you find out you have a child you didn’t know you had. And Maddy is such a charming and interesting person. Congratulations, Eve, for raising her like that. Really, I mean it.

I’m not sure why Maddy was so against telling you she was writing to me. Believe me I did try to persuade her. I can hear you are somehow angry. I apologize. For my part, my wish is that you would have found a way to tell me of Maddy’s existence.

If you are coming to London of course we must meet. Has Maddy told you something about me? I am a researcher and lecturer at University College London. I have two boys, 6 and 8 years. Erica, my wife, does not have any idea about this part of my past or even the slightest idea that I might have another child somewhere. Even I never thought this. Which is why it is a strange dream for me. I will think how we should best meet. We can keep in contact by email if that is okay with you. Thank you for writing.

Antonio

I read Antonio’s letter with an absurdly racing heart. By the time I reached the end I was weak with disbelief. Imagine my shock . . . a strange dream for me . . . How awful for you, Antonio! Who would have guessed that pregnancy leads to the birth of a child!