On a dreary, rain-soaked afternoon, a stranger handed me two infants on the commuter trainthen disappeared. Sixteen years would pass before the truth arrived in a letter bearing keys to a country estate and a fortune that left me speechless.
Out in this weatherand by train? the conductor raised an eyebrow as Emily stepped onto the platform at Paddington Station.
Heading to Wokingham. Last carriage, Emily replied briskly, handing over her ticket while adjusting her heavy shopping bags.
The train shuddered to life, wheels screeching against the tracks. Through the rain-streaked windows, the blurred outlines of the English countryside rolled bywaterlogged fields, crooked barns, the occasional cottage swallowed by the downpour.
Emily sank into her seat with relief. The day had been exhaustingqueues at the shops, the weight of her bags, another sleepless night. She and Thomas had been married three years, yet still no children. He never blamed her, always supportive, but the quiet ache of longing never faded.
That mornings conversation echoed in her mind.
Itll happen, Thomas had said, pulling her close. Our miracles still coming.
His words warmed her like a strong cup of tea on a miserable day. Hed come to the village as a young agricultural consultant, stayed for the land, the work and for her. Now he ran a small farm; she worked at the local bakery.
The carriage door creaked open. A woman in a long, dark coat stood in the aisle, clutching two neatly wrapped bundles. Tiny faces peeked out from beneath the blankets. Twins.
She scanned the compartment, then approached Emily.
Mind if I sit?
Not at all, Emily shifted aside.
The stranger settled carefully, cradling the infants. One began to fuss.
Hush, little love, she murmured, rocking the child gently. Youre all right.
Theyre beautiful. Both boys?
A boy and a girl. Oliver and Charlotte. Nearly a year old now.
Emilys chest tightened. She longed for a child of her own, but fate had yet to grant it.
Are you going to Wokingham too? she asked, forcing lightness into her voice.
The woman didnt answer. Instead, she turned to the window, where the rain blurred the world into grey smudges.
Minutes passed in silence. Then, softly:
Do you have a family?
A husband. Emily touched her wedding ring.
Does he love you?
Very much.
Do you want children?
More than anything.
But it hasnt happened?
Not yet.
The woman exhaled deeply, then leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper:
I cant explain everything. But you youre different. Theyre watching me. These children arent safe.
You must go to the police!
No! she cut in sharply. You dont understandtheyll take them.
The train slowed.
Please, her voice shook. If you dont take them now they wont survive.
Before Emily could react, the woman pressed the babies into her arms, thrust a small rucksack at herand vanished through the carriage door.
Wait! Emily lunged for the window. Come back!
A shadow darted along the platform then disappeared into the crowd. The train lurched forward. The infants wailed.
Dear God, Emily whispered. What have I done?
**Chapter 2. Sixteen Years Later**
Wokingham Station hadnt changed muchjust older, more worn. The ticket machines no longer worked; the booth had been boarded up for years. A woman in a grey trench coat stepped onto the platform with two teenagersa tall, thoughtful boy and a fair-haired girl with freckles and a hood slung carelessly over her head.
Mum, are you sure this is the right place? the boy asked.
Positive, Oliver, Emily tightened her grip on the envelope that had arrived a week prior. No return address, just her name and a London postmark.
Inside, a short note:
*You saved them. Now its time for the truth. These keys are theirs. The address is below. Dont be afraid. All I
