The room she’d rented for her and Tommy wasn’t much. In fact, it reminded her of the room she’d grown up in with her mum, only this one had more black mould growing up the walls than she would have liked. Unlike her mum’s flat, which was in a purpose-built block, this was a ground-floor room in a small house, and she could hear footsteps walking back and forth above her. The shared bathroom was at the back of the house, but Sarah had found the taps over the bath had ceased to work, and the sink was cracked. At least the toilet flushed and was clean.

They didn’t yet have any furniture, but the floor with a roof over their heads was better than the streets, and, having been found in the shed, she didn’t have any other options. The small sink under the window had a cold tap, so at least they could have a bit of a wash. When she’d first turned the tap, the water had been a murky brown colour, but after leaving it to run it had cleared. The water was icy cold, but at least she didn’t have to resort to going to the public toilets on Bog Island to clean them both up now.

Thankful for this small mercy, Sarah gently woke Tommy. ‘We’ve got work to do today, so come on, lazy bones, time to get up.’

Tommy opened his eyes, and Sarah was delighted to see him smile widely. ‘Are we going to see George today?’

‘Yes, and fingers crossed he’s sold our watch,’ Sarah said, and after a chilly wash, she did her best to tidy their hair with an old comb she’d found.

‘I’m hungry,’ Tommy moaned.

‘All right, we’ll get something to eat before we go to see George.’

By the time they arrived, the market was a hive of activity, and Sarah spotted George shoving a jumper into a woman’s shopping trolley. He hadn’t seen Sarah as he had his back to her.

‘See you next week, Ethel,’ George called as the woman walked off looking happy with her purchase.

‘Hello, George,’ Sarah said.

George spun round to look at her, and once again Sarah was reminded of his terrible disfigurement. Though she’d seen him a couple of times now, she was still shocked by the scars on his face, though she tried her best to hide it.

Tommy didn’t appear to be the least bit bothered by George’s appearance, and gleefully greeted the man.

‘Hello, you two,’ George replied, ‘how are you both?’

‘Do you want to see my soldiers?’ Tommy asked.

‘Yes, mate, I’d love to,’ George answered, and scooped Tommy up in his muscular arms.

‘Have you managed to sell the watch yet?’ Sarah asked.

‘Blimey, give us a chance,’ George replied. ‘Your sister, eh, what’s she like?’