Double Exposure

Finding someone to develop the old film proved a challenge.

Photographs of Mum with twins, frolicking on a beach. I scoured old albums for pictures of myself at the same age. I found a clear image of me as a chubby toddler wearing the same outfit as the beach twins, and Mum wearing an identical sunflower print swimsuit.

The difference lay in Mum’s expressions. Filled with joy on the beach. Heavy with grief in the backyard.

I learned not to talk about my imaginary friend in front of Mum, because she always cried.

Now I realise she was grieving my twin.