A US Army band played on the pier as we neared our berth. Brynn held my hand and danced with me. She had spotted her husband on the ferry, and they had waved and blown kisses.

‘He looks strange,’ she said, twirling me around. ‘He’s grown a moustache—he looks like someone’s father.’ We laughed and I wondered what Roy would look like. Few of the men were in uniform. The war was over.

The Red Cross ladies were frantically checking lists, and even after we docked it was ages before we were allowed off the boat. I suppose the logistics of organising six hundred and nine brides and two hundred and seventy-four children were quite complicated. They called us off alphabetically by surname, and Min was among the first to leave. She descended the gangway, two sailors following with her trunks.

‘Goodbye, girls, and good luck. Do write.’ She waved a handkerchief at us, her face splotched with excitement. ‘I hope it all turns out for the best.’

We strained for a glimpse of Min’s husband. He was a portly white-haired man with spectacles and fleshy lips, which he immediately pressed against her, while she recoiled, nearly falling backwards into the harbour. We clutched each other, giggling.

Barbara, Jane and I were taking trains, and Brynn was among the next group called. She hugged me for a good minute, rubbing her gloved hands along my spine.

‘You’ll be fine, you’ll be strong, whatever happens. It’s an adventure. Think of the day when we’ll tell these stories.’

I held her face and gave her a kiss on the cheek. ‘How would I have made it this far without you?’

I watched as Brynn walked down the gangplank and her husband ran to greet her. He wrapped her in an embrace then bent to kiss her. I saw her soften, her shoulders drop and ease into their sockets. When they drew apart she looked back at the ship, eyes scanning the crowd still on board until she found me. She blew me a kiss and waved. I shut my eyes tight and wished they would be happy.

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 19

‘What happened to Brynn?’ I ask. ‘Did you stay in touch?’