Missing Persons by Nicci Gerrard

Second Hand 

When Jonny went missing everything changed.

His mother's heart is full of terror and sadness instead of joy.

His father's study overflows with newspaper cuttings and profiles on missing people instead of the academic texts that were there before.

His sister, once carefree, now carries the weight of the world on her shoulders.

His bedroom at home remains untouched and ready for his return.

A place is set for him at the table on Christmas day each year.

His birthday is always celebrated; unopened gifts for him gather dust.

The hands on the clock continue to move forwards and yet Jonny hasn't returned.