Danny wriggled from her close embrace and regarded her with a frown as she slowly got to her feet. ‘I haven’t seen Django since the day before yesterday,’ he replied. ‘John brought me back.’

Becky was confused by this, but she said nothing and peered through the rain to the end of the street. There was no sign of Miller or Django. ‘I don’t see him,’ she said.

Danny looked up at her, his little face solemn. ‘He has to go somewhere else. But he said if he was coming this way again, he’d visit us.’ He slipped his small hand into hers. ‘He’s a bonzer bloke, Mum. He was in the 8th like Dad and John Blake, and even went to Malaya for a bit before he was sent to Burma. You’d like him.’

Becky eyed him thoughtfully. ‘I’m sure I would,’ she murmured. ‘Perhaps he’ll come back one day and I can thank him for looking after you.’

The rain was cool and refreshing after the oppressive heat, but they were both soaked through, and Becky began to lead him back towards the hospital. ‘You went looking for him, didn’t you?’ she asked carefully. ‘To ask him questions about the war.’

At his reluctant nod she pulled him to her side to reassure him, but her pulse was racing at the thought of what must have been going through her son’s head to do such a thing. ‘And do you feel better about things now?’

They had reached the steps leading up to the hospital veranda, and Danny came to a standstill and looked up at her. ‘I know Daddy won’t ever be coming back now,’ he said with a hitch in his voice. ‘But it’s all right, Mum. John explained things, you see, and from now on I’m gunna be the best boy I can, and make Dad proud.’

Becky had no idea what the mysterious John Miller might have said to her son, but it seemed to have worked. ‘Your dad was always proud of you, Danny. And I’m sure he’s watching over you, knowing that you’ll be a fine young man one day.’

Danny nodded thoughtfully and then brushed his wet hair from his eyes and broke the moment of solemnity with a huge grin. ‘I’m starving,’ he said. ‘Can I have a bacon sandwich?’

Becky felt the tension drop away and she laughed. ‘As it’s such a special morning, you can have whatever you want.’ She looked up to see Granny Gwyn, Terence and Sandra waiting for them, their smiles and tears speaking of their profound relief and delight at having him home again. ‘But it might have to wait a bit,’ she added softly. ‘It looks like you’re about to have a welcome-home party.’