She checked the time. She needed to be heading back. Thankfully there was no traffic warden this time – only a few smartly dressed people shaking their heads at her tractor. She got in, waved theatrically at the bystanders and set off for home.

*

When Maggie walked in the kitchen she froze. Tom was standing by the table with the letter in his hands. For a moment she couldn’t breathe. The look on his face was one of hatred and it cut through her.

‘Tom…’ Her voice didn’t sound like her own. It sounded old and tired.

Tom’s jaw was clenched. He narrowed his eyes. ‘You lied to me. You lied. After everything…’

‘Not exactly…’ As soon as she’d said it she knew it was a pathetic response.

‘You let me believe River was dead. But he’s not. Is he? He’s alive; he just doesn’t want anything to do with you.’ Maggie swallowed but couldn’t muster a response. ‘And why not?’ He was almost shouting. He shook the letter. ‘Because you’re an alcoholic!’ He was shaking his head.

She’d known she should have told Tom about her past but there had never been a good time. She’d seen his loathing and disgust for his father and she couldn’t bear the thought of him lumping her in the same boat as him.

‘I’m so very sorry.’ She’d never been more sorry, except for the day she let them take River away.

‘No wonder you knew what to do with Dad. That was you!’ He looked horrified at his own words.

‘It was a long time ago, Tom. And I’m proof that you can move on. Be a better person.’

‘A better person?’ he scoffed. ‘I thought you knew what it was like to lose someone. I’d lost Mum and you’d lost your son. That’s what you made me believe…’ His voice cracked.

‘I do know what it’s like. My husband died and I did lose my son. He was five months old when social services took him away.’

‘Because you were an unfit mother.’ He shook the letter again. ‘You gave him up for adoption. How could you do that?’

‘I had no choice, Tom. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. At the time I truly believed it was the best thing for River.’

Tom threw his hands up, his face full of rage. ‘Best for you more like. It’s never going to be good to grow up without your mum. Never…’ The temper seemed to diminish for a moment. ‘I know.’ He lowered his head, like the fight had gone out of him.