Rita got up to wash the dishes as Peter went to fetch the cases. ‘Leave that,’ said Jack. ‘I’ll do it later. Come and give me a hug instead.’

She stepped into his embrace and held him close. ‘It won’t be for ever, Dad. You’ll come and visit, and who knows, we might come back at some point to see you all.’

‘I’ll hold you to that,’ he murmured, not really believing she would. He squeezed her tight and then let her go. ‘I won’t be coming to the station to see you off, if you don’t mind,’ he said gruffly. ‘It’s better if you and Peter start your adventure together just as you mean to go on. Easier for me too.’

‘Oh, Dad, I do wish you could be happy for us.’

He looked at her in astonishment. ‘But of course I’m happy for you,’ he gasped. ‘You couldn’t have a better husband than Peter, and I rather envy the adventure you’re setting out on.’ He caressed her cheek. ‘I’m just feeling sorry for myself, that’s all. You must take this chance with both hands and make the very best of all the opportunities there are out there – and not worry about me. I’ve got more work than I can handle, and if I need company, there’s always the Anchor or Beach View.’

He looked over her head to Peter who was standing in the doorway with the suitcases at his feet. ‘Get out of here, the pair of you,’ he said with a forced smile. ‘You don’t want to miss that train.’

Peter grasped his hand. ‘It’s been good getting to know you, mate,’ he said. ‘Thanks for everything, and no worries – I’ll look after her.’

‘I know you will,’ he replied gruffly.

He followed them into the hall and Rita kissed his cheek before hurrying to join Peter who was waiting by the motorbikes. The cases had been strapped to the back and he was holding out her crash helmet.

Jack watched them ride away – two vibrant, ambitious young people who looked so fine together that surely they could conquer anything. He returned Rita’s wave as she paused briefly at the corner of the street, and once she’d ridden out of sight he closed the front door and leaned against it for a while to take control of the emotions that were ripping through him.

The bungalow already felt empty and the silence was heavy as he wandered from room to room and then stood in the kitchen eyeing the dirty dishes. He lit a cigarette and went into the back garden hoping the fresh air would clear his head, but the emptiness was there too – almost mocking him.

Unable to stand the solitude any longer, he fetched his clean overalls from the bedroom, picked up his lunchbox from the kitchen and slammed the front door behind him. Work would be his saviour, and thankfully there was enough of it to keep his mind occupied for weeks.