Sarah scampered back to her mattress, almost relieved to hear her mum scolding her again as she’d found that little chat unnerving. She snuggled in close to Tommy and pulled the thin blanket up under her chin.

Thoughts of Mr Sayers floated through her mind, and a tear dropped from her eye. It was hard to accept that she’d never see him again. She’d miss him, and the fruit and vegetables he supplied. She’d have to get her thinking cap on, or she and Tommy would be going hungry.

Chapter 6

Four years later

February 1953

‘Tommy, pick your feet up or you’ll wear your shoes out,’ Sarah said to her brother. She glanced behind to see Tommy reluctantly trudging along the pavement and dragging his shoes as he did so.

‘But they’re already worn out. I’ve got a hole in the bottom,’ Tommy replied in a whiny voice.

‘Well, there’s no need to make them any worse. Anyhow, with that cardboard I patched them up with, they’ll be good for months yet. Come on, get a move on, we’ll be home soon.’

Sarah’s basket had been full this morning, but now, as dusk drew in, she was pleased to see it was empty and all her kindling sold. It had been a good day’s work, and she was looking forward to getting home and resting her aching legs.

‘I’m hungry,’ Tommy moaned, coughing chestily.

‘I know you are, love, but we haven’t got much further to go,’ Sarah said, trying to placate the child. It wasn’t much fun for him, in the cold February winds, wearing short trousers and having to traipse the streets with her as she went door to door hoping to get a ha’penny for her bits of wood for the fire. She worried about his chest, as the boy suffered with coughs that rattled his small body.

‘You said that ages ago …’ Tommy moaned again and huffed.

Sarah fished in her coat pocket and pulled out a shiny coin.

‘See this, Tommy?’ she asked and held it out. ‘If you’re a good boy and stop complaining, I’ll give it to you at the end of the week and you can buy whatever you like with it.’

Sarah smiled as she saw Tommy’s blue eyes widen with delight. ‘Really? Will you take me to the sweet shop? Can I buy some cough candy?’

‘I haven’t got any sweet coupons, but I’ll take you to Woolworth’s on Saturday and you can have ice-cream, but only if you behave yourself, mind.’

Tommy skipped up to walk alongside her. ‘I’ll carry your basket tomorrow, Sarah,’ he said, then ran on a few feet ahead.