The following morning, as the sun began to spill golden light across the garden, Madeleine sat cross-legged on her bedroom floor, the remnants of their discoveries spread out before her. The old trunk lay open, revealing letters, photographs, and the precious envelope containing the address of Thomas’s grandparents. The weight of their mission pressed heavily on her shoulders, and she knew she needed to share everything with her mother.

“Mom!” Madeleine called, her voice echoing through the old house. “Can you come here for a second?”

Her mother, still wearing her apron from breakfast, appeared in the doorway, a curious expression on her face. “What is it, honey?”

Madeleine took a deep breath, her heart fluttering nervously. “I found something in the attic. It’s about a girl called Lucy She hesitated, unsure of how to explain the ethereal girl who had become such an integral part of her life.

“ She’s a ghost, Mum, and she’s been stuck in this house for so long. But I found a letter from her mother that mentions an address in Wales. I think we can find her brother, Thomas!” Madeleine’s voice trembled with excitement.

Madeleine's heart raced as she stood in front of her mother, the old letter clutched tightly in her hand. The weight of Lucy's story and the possibility of finding her long-lost brother hung in the air between them. 

Her mother raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “You mean you’ve been talking to this Lucy?” 

"Mum, you have to help me," Madeleine pleaded, her eyes shining with a mixture of hope and desperation. "I know it's been a long time, but I have to try. Lucy deserves to know what happened to her brother."

Madeleine's mother, was a kind-faced woman with a gentle demeanor, she looked at her daughter with a mix of concern and uncertainty. "Sweetheart, I understand you want to help, but it's been over 70 years since that letter was written. The odds of finding anyone at that address are slim."

Madeleine's grip on the letter tightened. "But we have to try! Lucy has been waiting all this time, trapped in this house. This could be her only chance to find closure."

Her mother sighed, reaching out to gently squeeze Madeleine's hand. "I know how much this means to you, but I don't want you to get your hopes up. The past can be a fragile thing, and sometimes it's best left undisturbed."

Madeleine's brow furrowed in determination. "I can't just leave Lucy like this. She's my friend, and I promised I'd help her. Please, Mum, we have to go to Wales."

Her mother studied her face for a long moment, seeing the unwavering conviction in her eyes. She knew there was no talking Madeleine out of this, and deep down, a part of her couldn't help but be moved by the idea of reuniting a family torn apart by the tragedies of war.

"Alright," she finally conceded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Let's go to Wales and see what we can find."

Madeleine's face lit up with excitement. "Thank you, Mum! I promise, this will be worth it."

The next few days were a whirlwind of activity as Madeleine and her mother prepared for their journey. They carefully packed the boxes of Lucy's belongings, each item a precious clue that could help unravel the mystery of her past. The long drive to Wales was filled with nervous anticipation, and Madeleine found herself glancing out the window, as if she could somehow catch a glimpse of Lucy's ghostly presence alongside them.

When they finally arrived at the small village, Madeleine's mother turned to her with a reassuring smile. "Are you ready for this, sweetheart?"

Madeleine nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. "I am. Let's go find Thomas."

They made their way down the winding streets, the address weighing heavily in Madeleine’s hand. As they approached the address, Madeleine felt a surge of nervous energy. What if no one was there? What if Thomas was long gone?

Steeling her nerves, Madeleine stepped up to the weathered wooden door and knocked, her mother standing beside her. Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing an elderly man with kind eyes and a warm smile.

"Can I help you?" he asked, his voice laced with a gentle Welsh accent.

Madeleine took a deep breath. "Sir, we're looking for a man named Thomas. Does he live here?"

The man's eyes widened, and a flash of recognition crossed his face. "Thomas? Why, that's was the name of the last owner of this house, you look like you have traveled far. Come in, come in!"