Flors grabbed Ella’s hand then and ran with her and Lonia in the direction she’d already taken earlier. Though breathless, she told Ella what she knew as they went.

Once back in the ward, and with the hope she’d been given, Ella was able to control her emotions. Lonia climbed onto Paulo’s bed. ‘I’m here, Paulo. And I’ve had some blood taken for you. It’s going to make you well.’ She was gentle as she kissed his cheek, then placed her head on the pillow next to his and looked over at Sibbie. ‘Are you going to be well, Sibbie? Will your pretty face come back?’

Sibbie gave a tired smile. ‘Will you still love me, if it doesn’t?’

‘I will, Sibbie. I love you more, now you’re poorly. Mama says that love can heal. So it is important that I am brave and show you my love.’

‘That’s true. Just having my mum with me, and feeling her love, is making me better.’

Susan smiled for the first time. Her eyes lit up with it and she leaned over the bed and held Sibbie. ‘I never thought you would ever go through anything like this, Sibbie, but I’m so proud of you.’

‘I had so many brave and strong women who guided me, Mum. You and Aunt Betsy, and Aunt Mags; and, when I went to France, Aunt Flors and Aunt Ella. So how could I not be brave?’

Flors thought about this; and yes, they were all brave and strong. They’d all come through extreme adversity and had coped. Given time, they had coped. All she asked now was that Paulo was given that time because, with Sibbie by his side, she knew they would cope, too.

All the hushed chatter was a distraction. They talked of anything but the blood samples and the war. Even Ella, who must have been longing for news of Arnie.

At last Sister Baker opened the door. ‘It’s a match. Little Lonia is a match! Come on, little one, you’re going to help to save your brother’s life.’ The sigh of relief that went around the room was the only sound. ‘Now, all of you, out you go. Leave Paulo with some encouraging words. I’ve a wheelchair just outside the door for Sibbie. You can all go along to the day-room. My nurses need to get in here to prepare Paulo for surgery.’

‘I’ll go with Lonia; although she is a very brave girl, I need to be with her.’

Sister Baker nodded. ‘Yes, that’s fine, Mummy, come along.’

‘She’s Mama!’

‘Oh, sorry, Lonia. Come along then, Mama, we’ve no time to lose.’

Paulo’s recovery was slow, but each day saw some progress.

When at last Sibbie felt able to talk to him about the consequences, she asked, ‘My darling, how do you really feel about having lost your leg?’