‘Why did Nan say that about my dad?’ piped up Lenny.

‘Because she knew he was a useless, womanizing tosspot,’ hissed Viv. She refused to fanny around painting a pretty picture of Bill any more. Lenny was old enough now to be told the bloody truth. Not once had his father ever tried to make contact with Lenny over the years. The man was a scumbag as far as Viv was concerned.

‘You gonna open it then?’ Viv asked her sister.

Queenie’s hands trembled as she took the letter out of its envelope.

Dear Queenie,

By the time you read this letter, I will no longer be with you in person, but I want you to know I will always be with you in spirit, my darling daughter.

Firstly, I want to apologize to you for the awful childhood you endured. I was a terrible mother, putting you and Vivvy through that, but I was a weak woman. My main concern was we’d never manage financially if I chucked your dad out. I also knew he would always roll back like a bad penny. Looking back, I know I made the wrong decision and I hope one day you will find it in your heart to forgive me.

Queenie took out her handkerchief and blew her nose. She then continued to read on.

I always loved you Queenie, so very much. I knew you always saw Mrs O’Leary as a mother too and I can fully understand why you loved her more than me. I was hurt by that at first, very upset. At times I felt as though Mrs O’Leary had stolen my daughter, but as I write this letter I am glad you had your other mum in your life too. She turned you into the wonderful strong woman you became. Not me. I’m grateful to Mrs O’Leary for teaching you everything that I couldn’t. She was somebody you could look up to in life, unlike myself. I’m very sorry for feeling envious of your relationship with her. It was only when I started going to church that I realized envy is one of the seven deadly sins.

I know you never understood why I turned to the Church. The truth is, I was never that religious, but the vicar and my new friends in the church brought a comfort to my life that had been missing until then. Also, the Church taught me to believe in life after death. I was determined not to go to hell, as I’m sure that’s where your father will be. So every Sunday I would pray for forgiveness in hope I would be allowed in heaven instead. I was desperate to see Edna again, you see. Hopefully, by the time you read this letter, Edna and I are together having a singsong and knees-up, just like the good old days. I will do my very best to send you a sign, Queenie, so you know I’m with Aunt Edna and we’re both OK. I know how much it would mean to you to know Aunt Edna is all right.