There was a stranger waiting for me when I got off at the underground station. I didn’t notice him as the crowd was heavy and I was in a hurry.
The train left, rushing into the tunnel and people moved upwards to the haze of London air.
The stranger followed me, though I wasn’t aware of it then.
I walked out, into more busy crowds and made my way back home. I knew someone was following me soon after but I tried to convince myself it wasn’t true.
At my apartment door, I glanced over and noticed him. I stopped, wondering what to do.
‘Carol?’ he called out.
He knew my name! but I didn’t know him. I didn’t answer. Would he leave me alone if I said no? If I said yes, then what?
I had paused for too long, staring at him. There was something oddly familiar about his face and hair color.
‘I’m sorry,’ he said, turning away.
‘Who are you?’ I asked sharply.
‘Your older brother,’ he said softly, ‘our parents had to give me up for adoption because they were teenagers when I was born.’
The Story Files 