🧩 Jigsaw

Mandy hated New Year. It left her feeling desolate, in spite of the whisky and sleeping pills that helped her to function on less harrowing days. It was two years ago, on New Year’s Eve, since her fifteen-year-old son, Charlie, ran away. After a thorough search, full media coverage, and all the usual legal procedures, the police had made no progress and Mandy had given up hope. He’d be seventeen now—no longer a child—and if he were still alive, he’d probably have no use for her.She recalled the jigsaw puzzle in a plain cardboard box that Heather had given her last year. ‘No pieces missing’ was scribbled on the lid. Heather had said, “I thought it might take your mind off things for a while.”The box remained under her bed unopened. Why not give it a chance to distract her from her misery? Make a New Year’s Resolution. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, Mandy. Do the jigsaw and try to smile. She’d forgotten how to do either. It was time to remember. It would also pass the time until she…