We were walking along the shoreline a stones throw away from our beachside cottage of 10 years. My husband George and I had our flip flops off so the sand was brushing through our toes but we were immune to the tickle now. August and Rosie were running through the shallow water getting splashed. But they didn’t care. in fairness, what 3 and 5 year old would.

George smiled. “Look how happy and carefree they are” he said pointing over to August who was running through the waves dragging his poor little sister behind him. I looked back.

“perfect family eh” he smirked

“It would be” I said looking down.

George put his arms around me and we stopped.

“Listen Julia. I miss her so much, and one day we will know what happened to her. We have to push on. Just look at how happy they are”

We were a perfect family a few years ago. George and I, One year old baby august, 10 year old Emma and baby Rosie on the way. The day Rosie was born my world changed forever.

I was in hospital. Rosie in my arms, George was looking after the Kids. Yes. Two kids. I finally had the perfect family. My phone was ringing and I picked it up. It was George

“JULIA?!..... JULIA?!”

“George? What’s the matter slow down”

“JULIA! she’s gone, I can’t find her anywhere”

“What? Who’s gone?”

“Emma’s missing. I’ve looked up and down the beach and everywhere but she’s not there”

Emma was never seen again after that day. Every time I look into rosie’s eyes I see Emma reflecting back at me.

Suddenly there was a massive splash and a cry. I looked up and Rosie was on the floor. We ran over and I sat her up on my knee, brushing sand off her little dress.

“Mama. Rosie slipped on a shiny rock” said august pointing to the sand

I brushed off the sand and uncovered a glass bottle. A bottle with a message inside. I took out the rolled up paper and read the message to myself and it read:

20th September 2020,

Dear whoever this may concern,

I am looking for two people that go by the names of Julia Fletcher and George Fletcher.

If your reading this please pass on this message. They will understand.

Love and kindest regards,

Emma Fletcher, 14 years old. Leicester

The bottle dropped from my hand and smashed on the floor but I still clutched the letter to my heart.

“What’s wrong Julia?” Said George picking Rosie up who was still crying.

“She’s alive”

“Who’s alive Julia?”

“Emma”

I passed him the letter and looked onto the horizon.

Emma is alive