'Interesting. Fascinating. I wanted to hold Michelle's hand and say "We can do this"' - Louise Allen



In 1972, Michelle Pearson gave up her son for adoption.



As 'one of those girls', she was expected to hide her shame with secrecy. No one should ever find out she'd had a child.



But she never forgot the son who was taken from her.



In the years that followed she struggled with PTSD, traumatic memory loss, agoraphobia and anxiety - impacting every area of her life.



This is Michelle's story of love, loss and hope; of how over 50 years she has managed the consequences of living with her secret, survived the emotional pain, and finally, after being reunited with her son, the journey to rebuild their lives together.

Illustrated by: Eve Hatton