‘I am, Mama, so very much in love, even though we haven’t known each other long. Do you think love this deep can happen in an instant?’

‘I know it can. As I came through the checkpoint at the Belgian border I had to report to your father. He looked up at me – and it happened. This complete stranger was the love of my life, my world. It happened for him, too.’ Mama’s eyes misted over.

‘Mama, we married last night. Well, we pledged ourselves to each other, in our own service. To me, Wills is my husband.’

‘That’s wonderful, my darling. I am so happy for you, and yet so sad for you.’

‘Don’t be. I’m so happy, and I want that happiness to last for the rest of the time we have together, and beyond.’

‘I understand. The memory of the time I had with your father, before our war took him away, has lasted with me to this very day.’

They were both quiet, and Marjie thought of the injustice of it all. That her parents went through all they did, only to face it again now. It broke her heart.

‘Don’t cry, darling. Wipe your tears and smile. It’s the only way. Let me remember your lovely smile till we meet again.’

They smiled at each other, both struggling to contain the tears that threatened, but they felt the other’s heartache, despite their brave efforts.

‘Goodbye, Mama. Keep strong.’

‘Goodbye, my darling girl, until we meet again.’

With this, Marjie walked away. As she reached the steps she turned, but her mama had vanished into the swirling crowd. She understood. Sometimes the only way to deal with things was to walk away from them. She had to do that, too.

PART FOUR

Britain, France and Singapore,
1942

The Thin Thread of Life

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Maidstone

Rosie

With the news coming out of Malaya, and Hong Kong having fallen to the Japs, the talk was of the danger to Singapore. Rosie was beside herself with worry. The last letter from her ma told of how she’d heard nothing of Billy, but to keep strong, as they would surely hear if something terrible happened.

Poor Ma, she was coping well. How Rosie longed to go to her, but time off was at a premium and the hospital was busier than ever with all the returning wounded, and most rest periods were taken in the nurses’ quarters, so as to be on hand if they were needed.

Rosie had long since given up badgering the powers-that-be to allow her to serve abroad. The last letter she had received from her superiors had told her that, with her sisters already abroad, they didn’t think it prudent to send the last girl of the family into a danger zone.

Rosie now let out a long and anguished sigh.

‘That was a deep one, Rosie. You fed up then?’