We are developing quite a strong friendship, which I do find rather strange. Though I should not, given our shared circumstance. Do you remember when she and her Henry, God rest, first came to town? She was quite reluctant to join our community. Mind you, I was not as welcoming as I perhaps should have been. I am sure you would tell me I made no greater effort as I was threatened by her beauty, and you might be right. None of that now matters. Events have conspired to bring us together.

She is now the only person in town I can be honest with. Be myself with. Lucy and I have lunched with Colonel Bridges’ wife as the three war victims of the cove, but she is so much older than Lucy and me, and that creates some distance.

I am ever thankful for Lucy’s friendship. It is a most lonely existence I lead now waiting for news of your fate, my dear, and Lucy is fast becoming my one tether to this cold world.

It is, again, late. I write at night as I often feel crippled with sadness when I sign off and this way I am able to head straight to bed. I must to bed now, my darling.

Forever yours,

Ivy

Over the week the new kitchen slowly took shape and Nicole busied herself with smaller jobs around the cottage – stripping back and replacing skirting boards, starting the undercoat on the walls.

When the last tile of the kitchen splashback went in on Wednesday morning she stood in the middle of the room and took it all in. The reclaimed whitewashed wooden cupboards looked so pretty beneath the stripped and varnished oak benchtop, and the black subway tiles a friend of Trevor’s had saved for her from a pub renovation in Woodville set just the right tone.

‘Thank you.’ Her voice was barely a whisper as she looked at Danny and Matt and Greg, standing with their hands in their pockets, waiting for her validation. ‘It’s … perfect.’ She excused herself quickly.

Hiding in the living room, she tried to compose herself by going over her lists, which she’d stuck on the wall. The kitchen was perfect, and the cottage was now starting to feel like a home. Except it never could be home. Not for her. Once the renovations were done, she’d be kicked out. She’d never get to truly enjoy the beautiful kitchen the footy boys had made for her. Not for very long, anyway. She wiped away her tears.

‘Excuse me, Nicole,’ Danny said as he came into the living room. ‘We’re all packed up in there and the boys have headed off.’

Nicole turned. ‘How will I ever thank them? Thank you?’

‘They didn’t do it for the thanks.’ Danny shrugged. ‘It’s just mates helping mates.’

He noticed the lists behind her.

‘Creating your own wallpaper?’