The room became stuffy as more people came inside for the meeting. After a loud clanging, a man in a crumpled suit spoke in Greek. He stared at me for a second and not understanding his words, I felt accused. Manno translated. ‘The mayor would like to welcome everyone to the town of Korissa on the island of Kea.’

A uniformed ship’s officer that I had not seen before addressed the room telling us of the current situation.

‘HMS Scourge and HMS Heroic, the two ships that came to assist, had no more deck space for us. They are taking our good fellows and countrymen, survivors that they picked up at sea, to Piraeus, which is the port for Athens. If you haven’t already put your name down on the register, please do it now; one hundred and fifty of us await collection here on the island. The ships have signalled our presence to the admiralty and we await transportation. There are several casualties and they are being treated in the school room at the back of this building, which has been transformed into a temporary hospital. Any questions?’

One of the men stuck up his hand. ‘What happened to the Britannic, sir?’

‘We don’t know yet, and I’d suggest you don’t speculate.’

Feeling trapped and restless in that crowded room, I drifted outside again and stared over mounds of yellow fishing net and lobster pots. Beyond the lighthouse, the two grey ships that had stopped where the Britannic went down were sailing away. I guessed they had finished collecting bodies and survivors. A chill ran through me. Could I really be hung for going against orders and causing all those deaths? I gripped the only lamppost, clutched my throat, and imagined the ground opening under my feet, falling, falling, waiting for that final, neck-snapping moment.

I should have drowned while I had the chance.

Chapter 17

CHAPTER 17

SHELLY

Greece, present day.

SHELLY WANDERED ALONG THE EMPTY beach uplifted and glad of the solitude. She came upon the site of the turtle nest, sat by the daubs of red nail polish and placed her hand flat on the sand. With her eyes closed, she imagined a hundred beating hearts below her palm and felt her chest expand with the glorious miracle of nature.

Stay safe, little turtles.