‘He doesn’t have a problem with you dating Albert and he always talks very highly of him. I’m pretty sure he’ll be pleased for you.’

‘I hope you’re right,’ Lena said. George had accepted that she was dating Albert, but marriage might be another matter. ‘When I lost my husband, I never expected to be happy again, but I am, and in time you will be too.’

The women drained their cups, and an hour later Lena finished her shift. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow, love. I’ll let you know how George reacts to my engagement.’

‘Good luck,’ Sarah called.

Lena hoped the shop would be busy for the rest of the afternoon. It would give Sarah less time to think. Since Tommy’s death she had lost her zest for life and her smiles were forced. It saddened Lena, but for now she had other things on her mind. She was keen to cook George’s favourite dinner, and when he was sitting happy and replete, she’d tell him about her forthcoming marriage.

Sarah locked up the shop, and as always, dreaded going home to her empty room.

Roger had been round last night and said he’d be round again that evening. It was only the thought of being all alone in her room that had made her agree, but Sarah now found that she wasn’t looking forward to seeing him. He wouldn’t let her mention Tommy’s name, saying it would only upset her, and only seemed interested in pestering her for sex again. After her first traumatic experience with him, she’d manage to hold him off, but she could see he was becoming increasingly frustrated with her. He didn’t seem to understand that she wasn’t ready for fun, and though he tried hard to make her laugh, it didn’t work. She didn’t want to enjoy herself, not yet, it was too soon. How could she laugh? She thought she’d feel guilty if she did. Couldn’t he see it was impossible for her to enjoy herself when her heart was still in pieces?

Mo was coming down the stairs as Sarah arrived home. ‘Off to work?’ Sarah asked.

‘Yep, they’ve asked us all to come in early. Gawd knows why, but I’ve gotta dash. I’ll see you tomorrow,’ Mo said hurriedly and was gone.

Sarah reluctantly went into her room. She ached for Tommy, missed him so much, and couldn’t bring herself to remove any of his things. Roger had told her it was unhealthy and she was creating a shrine to him. Lena told her to take no notice of what he said and to do things in her own time. She had never voiced an opinion about him, but Sarah sensed that Lena didn’t like Roger.