Rosie already knew this, as she’d sent an orderly in search of one, but she had come back saying none were available; and yet Rosie knew that no one in the ward needed a fan more than Albie. It would be the senior nurses refusing. How they could do so, she did not know and she wanted to shout at Sister that – German or not – Albie deserved to have his life saved. But then she’d be doing Sister an injustice because no one cared more, even if in a cold detached way, than Sister did.

Opening the window blew a gale into the room and chilled Rosie.

‘No, that’s not acceptable. I’ll be back in a moment.’

Rosie could have hugged Sister as she came back bearing a fan. ‘There, I found one. Concentrate it on the patient. Nurse, I know we can’t help how we feel, and I can see that this case has got to you, so I may think about swapping you with Nurse Potts, who is also on night-duty.’

Wanting to plead, but knowing that would mean that she would be taken off Albie’s case for certain, Rosie kept her voice steady. ‘Naw, I’ll be fine, Sister. I feel no different about this patient than I do about any other. I just care deeply and want to save his life. I might be speaking out of turn, but some are not so caring of the German patients. I don’t blame them, and I understand, but this man’s life is hanging in the balance, and I want to make sure he gets the best attention we can give him.’

‘No. You’re not speaking out of turn, Nurse, and it’s why I wanted you to do this. I can go to my bed resting easy, knowing that he is in your care, but please try to keep your emotions in check. Don’t let your judgement be impaired by over-caring. Be professional in all you do, and he will have the best chance he can possibly have, in your hands.’

Sister was right, Rosie knew this, and nodded her head. ‘I will, Sister. But can you instruct that if I need owt, I’m to have it, because not getting a fan was frustrating me. That’s all my emotions were – anger and frustration.’

‘Very well, I’ll do that. Now, goodnight, Nurse, and good luck. If anyone can bring the young man through, you can with your excellent nursing skills.’

‘Ta, Sister.’

With Albie now washed down, and a fresh sheet under him and another over him, Rosie concentrated the gently whirring fan on him. Albie gradually rested easier than he had, and Rosie was glad to see that after a little while his temperature lowered by a fraction. If that kept up, he would stand a chance.