Missing Persons

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; his unopened gifts gather dust.

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

Where is he?