Love Dorcas

PS And we really miss you and I wish you were home.

PPS I don’t care what Peter Royston says, whatever happened you were right.

PPPS I was considering marrying Peter Royston if a knight didn’t show up, but I would rather live in Peter’s old footy boot with his socks after a long game in summer than live with him now, so don’t worry about him being your brother‑in‑law.

One night after dinner the phone rang and Aunty Jean answered it. Her voice sounded weird straight away. She said, ‘She isn’t here right now but I can take a message,’ and I thought that was strange for a minute because all the ‘shes’ in the house were definitely home. I wondered if it was a boy for one of the girls but thought that unlikely. I had a feeling it was Daniel, but I couldn’t be sure, and there was no point making a fuss about it. I went to Uncle Paul’s room to ask if I could ring Daniel, but he said it would be best to ask Aunty Jean first, so I gave that up as a bad joke.

I had posted the letter to Daniel on a Monday, and the following Monday he wrote back.

Dear Dorcas,

I tried to call you but Aunty Jean said you were out. I hope you were doing something fun.

I have written to Ruthy almost every week, so it is strange you haven’t had many letters from me. I’m glad Dad is passing them all on to you.

I don’t know any more than you do really. I have tried to talk to Dad about it but he just says Mum is on a holiday and will be home soon. I’m sure that’s right. I rang Ruthy last week and she cried on the phone but she said the Hodgesons are very kind to her and she doesn’t mind too much. I’m not sure that’s true. I rang Caleb and he seems sure Dad is going to be crucified. Where on earth did that come from? I felt a bit worried about him, but I’m sure Aunty Maisie will make sure he is okay.

Try to comfort the little ones as much as you can. I am going to ring Mr Driver to see if he has any news we don’t have. I miss you, Dorcas, and thank you for looking after the babies and for writing to me.

Love you always.

Your big brother,

Daniel

Well, I must have read that letter about twenty times the first night I got it. It made me sad, happy, sad, happy, sad and then happy. But most of all, it made me feel relieved that my big brother knew how we felt and was going to try to get more information. I could have kicked myself for not thinking of Mr Driver. I bet he knew stuff we didn’t. For the first time in weeks, that night I didn’t pick the sores in my head and I didn’t have nightmares.