‘I can’t wait to be out of here, to see my little boy and pick up the threads of normal life again. I can’t believe it’s been over six months now.’

‘Something to aim for… That’s what this getting better is all about. Something to replace the joys of juice. To think that all my training and do gooding is reduced to a craving for liquid gold slurping down my throat.’

‘You must be on the mend if they let you out on the town with the others now?’

‘They watch out for me and keep me out of the bars but there’s been a lapse or two. One snifter and it’s anchors aweigh again, I’m afraid.’

‘At least you seem to understand what’s going on.’

‘It doesn’t make it any easier, believe me, knowing the theory. Sobriety and comfort – the two don’t mix easily for me. One day at a time is just about bearable, but never to be able to drown my sorrows in alcoholic oblivion again… Perish the thought! Can you understand any of this?’ He slid the bottle down into the hollow with a sigh and patted the tree, afterwards jumping down beside Netta.

‘When Rae was killed, I couldn’t imagine another day of life without the promise of his return. I didn’t believe it was true for months afterwards. I kept on going down to the shore or up into the hills just to talk to him and feel his presence again. He wasn’t there and I wanted to die but there was this tiny creature inside me who wanted to live, who needed me, and that kept me living. But now I’ve not even the pleasure of my baby to comfort me. If I thought I’d never be with him again, I think it would be the end for me too…’

‘You’ll go home to your bairn, sure as death. There has to be some justice in this rotten world. Not that I’ve seen much of it so far but we must live in hope.’

‘Hope is what we must pray for in 1946, Drew. That you’ll find your purpose again and I’ll be with my baby. That’s not too much to ask, is it?’

‘I suppose not. You’re a tonic, Netta. Let me kiss you for good luck! I didn’t expect to find such common sense in the loony bin. A lass who delights both ear and eye, I’m going to keep tabs on you.’ He drew her gently into a hug and kissed her on the forehead. ‘You are lovely! Who needs a dram when you are in the room?’

Netta tossed her head back and laughed. ‘And you are an awful tease! It’s time you walked me back to the dancing, I’m freezing out here!’