They huddled together again, but something in Flors had died. That her children should have been through such horror, and that one of them, she was now certain, had to order the death of the other – how was she going to live with that? How was her darling Marjella going to?

But when they came out of the huddle and Marjella went into Wills’s arms, Flors knew that he would help her. Wills would prove to be Marjie’s salvation, and maybe their own, too.

Later, after they had eaten and the atmosphere had become more relaxed, Marjie approached the subject that was on her mind. ‘Mama, Wills has some leave over Christmas and we were wondering: would it be possible to go to Scotland and be with Sibbie and Paulo and Aunt Ella, and everyone up there? They’re all so lovely, and Portpatrick is a beautiful place.’

‘That sounds wonderful. I know Aunt Mags and Uncle Jerome are going up there with Beth and Belinda, so it will be like . . .’

Marjie watched her mama draw in a deep breath.

‘Not old times, Mama. Nothing can make those come back, but it will be a good start to new times. Something we can have in place for when Freddy and Randie come home. A get-together at Christmas time of all of those who can.’

‘Yes, Marjella, that’s right. After every stage – good or bad – there has to be a new beginning.’

With Cyrus saying this, Flors knew it to be so. She made herself smile and say, ‘It sounds wonderful.’

When the car finally arrived in Portpatrick after a two-day journey, driven by Cyrus and Wills taking turns, Marjie could hardly contain herself. They were all there, waiting at the bottom of the road that led to Mags’s and Betsy’s shared house. The sea behind the little group looked dramatic, as it crashed waves onto the quayside and tossed the boats anchored in the port as if they were toys. Through the dark, tumbling clouds a weak sun glimmered a streak of light onto the angry water.

‘Oh, it’s beautiful – beautiful. No wonder you love it, Marjella.’

‘I do, Mama. After just one visit, I have never forgotten it.’

‘Aye, and us neither, I hope.’

‘Never you, Betsy.’ Marjie laughed, but then she caught sight of Sibbie. ‘Oh, Sibbie! Sibbie! Paulo, oh, it’s good to see you. I’ve missed you so much.’

Sibbie had a radiant, if tearful smile on her face as she let go of Paulo’s wheelchair and rushed at Marjie. Tears wet their faces and their hair tangled together in the wind, as their bodies swayed in a hug of love, sorrow and, yes, hopefulness.