“I was too ashamed at losing her.” He gave her a quick glance. “I couldn’t get back to Leningrad and I was so angry with the Germans for causing this war that I decided to lie about my age and sign up.”

“In 1942?” She was aghast. “You were only fourteen. Who would let you?”

“It was the following year. Just after my fifteenth birthday. I was tall for my age so they didn’t question me. I did basic training then was sent out to fight, and within three weeks I had been captured by Germans. I was held in a prisoner-of-war camp until we were released in May and brought here.” He looked at the governor. “Now I’m waiting for filtration.”

Maria turned to the man. “Surely you can’t hold him any longer now you know how young he is? Please can I take him home today?”

“Every prisoner must be interviewed,” the governor replied. “There are rules and regulations. I must ask you to leave for now and—”

“No, please.” Maria clung to Mikhail, running her fingers through his hair, breathing in the scent of him.

“I’m sorry about Katya,” he said quietly. “You made us promise to stick together. Is she home now?”

“Not yet.” Maria frowned. “Tell me: how were you separated?” She held her breath as she waited for the reply.

Mikhail closed his eyes. “There was a bombing raid while we were crossing the Ice Road. The truck in front of us was hit and ours turned over, throwing us out. I landed on the ice and lay there stunned until your friend Yuri picked me up and carried me to another truck. He said he was going back for Katya—but he didn’t reappear. Our truck started to drive off and I begged them to wait for my sister but they said I would find her at the other side.” A tear escaped and rolled down his cheek, and Maria kissed him. “But it was mayhem when we arrived, with so many people and no systems in place. I was taken to hospital and as soon as I was well enough I started looking for Katya, but no one seemed to know anything.” He looked at Maria. “What did Yuri say? He must know where she went.”

Maria shook her head. “Yuri never came back to Leningrad.”

“He didn’t?” Mikhail opened his eyes and stared at her in horror. “So where is she? Do you think she . . . Could she be dead?”

“No.” Maria spoke firmly. “I have been looking for both of you. Now that I have found you, I will carry on looking until I find Katya. I know she is alive, because if she were dead, I would feel it in my heart. Mothers always know.”

Mikhail gave a sigh of relief. He believed her.