Gazing out of her window that overlooked Mary Vale’s beautiful summer garden, scented with the rich fragrance of rambling roses and stocks, Sybil wished that she had been discharged from the Home as well as the hospital. She knew she wasn’t physically up to starting work immediately. Excited as she was about the prospect of working in radar, she knew that first she had to be accepted on to the course and that depended on her passing a mathematics examination that would involve a trip to London. Right now, she needed to concentrate on getting back to her full strength, both physically and mentally, so that she would be in tip-top form just in case she was lucky enough to be interviewed. Plus there was paperwork to be completed on finalizing her baby’s adoption.

Opening the window wider so that she could lean out and inhale the fresh tangy sea-salt breeze, Sybil gave a heavy sigh; though she had visited the nursery a few times once she had been notified by Father Ben that he had found suitable parents for her son, she had since ceased her visits. It wasn’t fair on the child; the sooner she was gone the sooner the child could start his own life, hopefully in a secure home with parents who loved him.

Then there was Rosie. Sybil let out a little groan. She didn’t want to part ways with her only friend on bad terms, but, considering how she had exploited Rosie and her family, what else could she realistically expect? Best to drop the relationship altogether and leave it, like Mary Vale and her baby, in the past.

‘If only I hadn’t been such a bitch,’ Sybil chastised herself. She had certainly learnt a lesson when it came to judging people. ‘Never assume you’re superior to anyone,’ she rebuked herself.

That kind of social arrogance belonged to the Monty Baldwins of this world, and Sybil wanted no more of it. In the process of befriending Rosie and her children, Sybil had learnt humility and understanding, attributes which she hoped would make her a wiser woman in the future.

Sybil’s thoughts moved on to Ronnie and Sally, who, she knew, she would really miss; after their turbulent adventure together, she had grown attached to the wild little pair. They made her laugh with their endless babbling: Sally’s non-stop chatter about the Hope Farm animals and Ronnie’s outrageous imitations of his portly headmaster and the bossy school-dinner ladies. Deep in thought, Sybil jumped in surprise when she heard the children’s voices sailing across the lawn.

‘Auntie Sybil!’

Leaning further out of the window, Sybil smiled to herself. ‘God, they really have got voices like foghorns!’

Standing underneath the window, Sally called up, ‘Why’ve you left the hospital?’

‘Because I’m better and somebody else needed my bed,’ Sybil explained.

Ronnie waved up at her. ‘Come and play,’ he cried.