My Brother's Shadow (10 page)

Through the open window, summer sunlight
slants into the room and I hear the call of a distant bird, nesting high in the welcoming arms of an ancient sycamore (
Acer pseudoplatanus
). I realize that it is far too warm for the blankets that lie across my legs. Before I shift them my eye catches, again, the slender leaf, pinned with my many cards against the wall. For one last time I whisper to the boy, with a secret smile, “Goodbye, friend.”

My mum walks in, her uniform creased. She smiles at me, her eyes aglow. I stare at her. She stares at me.

“You have such a lovely smile, Kaia,” she says.

In all things, my first and highest thanks go to
God, whose goodness towards me knows no bounds.

Many people read this book before it got to “official” hands. Chief amongst them were a group of children who read every word I wrote, even the ones that didn't make the cut. Special thanks to O.C.—I want to see you writing one day.

Thanks go to: Jonny Stockwood, a fellow writer—your advice is always invaluable; Maggie and Laurie—you always believe in my scribblings; Simon Tarry—you're the most supportive guy I know.

When the manuscript for this book found its way into the hands of professionals, Penny Holroyde, my agent, believed in and championed me, Kaia and the boy right from the start. The team at Andersen, Eloise and Charlie and Ruth, took it and helped me shape it and made it more
beautiful with their insightful ideas, always presented with gentleness—thank you. A massive glug of thanks goes to Kate, whose incredible illustration graces the cover of this book.

A last thanks, but certainly not the least, goes to my wife. Chloe, you are a woman of infinite patience, trust and love. This book would not exist without you.