Author Description

The day began like any other day. Then the letter arrived. The letter from Hugo that changed everything. Anna hadn't heard much from Hugo since losing her two older brothers. Jonas had died of AIDS when Anna was eleven, and Michael had disappeared in a landmine explosion in Bosnia two years later. Hugo was their friend and his presence in her life was too painful a reminder of their absence, so Anna shut him out. Her brothers' deaths tore Anna's family apart. Her mother dedicated her time to searching the war-ravaged countryside, trying to find out whether Michael was dead or alive. Her father busied himself with his projects. And what about Anna? Anna was left to look after herself, keeping silent, not letting anyone get close. Now, three years later, Hugo says Michael may be alive. A spark of hope ignites within Anna, but is it false hope? She wants to tell her mother, but Hugo's letter is written in red felt pen, their old code for don't tell anyone. Does Anna have the courage to let Hugo back into her life? If they work together there may be a chance to find Michael and heal her fractured family.