Sarah jumped from the sofa and ran to scoop Tommy into her arms. ‘Sorry, Mum. He don’t know any better. Please, don’t take it out on him … I’ll get you some more gin.’

‘Too right you will, but I’m telling you that little sod is still gonna get a good hiding from me, and if you try and stop me, you’ll get the same!’

Sarah knew only too well what her mother was like and that she wouldn’t back down. Though Annie was small-framed, she could still pack a punch, and Sarah feared for Tommy more than she did for herself.

‘Please, Mum, I’ll go now and get the gin. Don’t hit the boy, he won’t do it again,’ Sarah said as tears began to roll down her cheeks.

‘For Christ’s sake, girl, you’re too soft with that precious brother of yours. I don’t care how much you turn on the waterworks, he ain’t getting away with it!’

Sarah could feel Tommy quivering in her arms and watched in horror as her mother went for the cane she kept next to her mattress. Annie didn’t use it often, preferring to deliver a slap or a punch, but when she did produce the cane, Sarah knew it meant business. She still had the scars across her buttocks to prove it.

Tommy seemed to sense Sarah’s fears and began crying hysterically. She’d do anything for the boy, whatever it would take to protect him from the intense pain she’d experienced from one of her mother’s lashings. ‘I won’t allow you to whip Tommy!’ she said firmly.

‘You won’t allow me? Who the hell do you think you are? You’ll do as you’re bloody well told, so either hand over the boy or get out for good, the pair of you!’

Sarah’s heart raced. She could tell her mother was on the brink of complete rage. If they were to avoid a beating, she’d have to act fast. In a panic and without stopping to collect any of their belongings, she drew in a deep breath, bracing herself before heading for the front door. If she left now, she knew there would be no turning back, but what other choice did she have? She threw her mother one final look, then turned quickly and walked through the door.

Tommy could see over her shoulder and suddenly screamed, ‘Run, Sarah! Run!’