Evie didn’t know what to say. How could any words of comfort be adequate in the circumstances? In the end she asked, ‘Frank?’

‘Yes. I found out while we were in Singapore. They told me he was killed in that first air attack on Butterworth and the island. He was shot down in flames over the Straits. Wouldn’t have stood a chance.’

They lapsed into silence. Mary looked up at Evie. Her eyes were so empty it was disconcerting, as though she wasn’t really seeing. ‘Enough about me. How was Australia? You got there safely?’

Evie nodded, feeling guilty. ‘To Perth. It was fine. Susan Hyde-Underwood was there too, and lots of other women from here. We all looked out for each other. Some of us volunteered at a hospital. Caring for injured troops.’

‘The children? How’s Jasmine?’

‘She’s nearly fourteen. Quite the young lady. She’s been marvellous. Such a support to me. And Hugh has turned five.’

‘Where are they?’ Mary’s voice was flat.

‘Here in George Town. At home, with Aunty Mimi. Jasmine wants to see you.’

‘I don’t think that’s a good idea. Please, Evie. I don’t want anyone to see me this way.’ Mary shook her head violently.

Evie shivered. This wraith in front of her didn’t seem like her old friend. ‘I’m going back to live in England. I think you should come back with us.’

‘Come back? It wouldn’t feel like that to me. I left there when I was a small child. The place means nothing to me.’

‘But it would be a fresh start. A new beginning after the war. Put it all behind you.’

‘Why do I want a new beginning? I’d rather stay here with what’s left of the old world. With everything I love. All the little things. Things of beauty after so much hate. After all the brutality.’

Mary’s eyes looked into space, appearing to be seeing something beyond the gloom of this shuttered room. ‘How could I leave everything I love about this island? The moths at night-time on Penang Hill. The golden orioles and the kingfishers. The sound of the breeze in the casuarina trees. Heavy rain hammering on the rooftops. How could I give up all that? What for? My memories of England are vague but they’re all cold and gloomy. And I’ve seen the newsreels. No, thank you. This is my home and always will be.’

She gave a little shake of her head. ‘I’d never fit in in England, Evie. I’d be odd and angry and out of place. And how can I possibly leave here when everyone I’ve loved died in Malaya. Mum and Dad, Frank, and before him Ralph. Surely you can understand that, Evie? This country is my country and always will be.’

‘But everything will change. I’ve heard the war has bankrupted Britain and it no longer has the resources to hang onto the Empire.’

Mary shrugged. ‘I welcome that change. We British betrayed Malaya. Let them down. We have no right anymore to try to determine the country’s destiny. The British empire is dead. It’s just a matter of letting go in an orderly manner. Maybe it will take years but I want to be a part of a new Malaya. As soon as I’m fit, I’ll be going back to teaching.’