‘I’ll go,’ she volunteered and seconds later the women in the kitchen heard her scream with delight. ‘David … whatever are you doing here? Why didn’t you let us know you were coming? Oh, hark at me rattling on, come on in out of the cold.’ She took his arm, which seemed much thinner than she remembered, and hauled him over the step, then laughing she prodded him towards the kitchen, saying, ‘Look who’s here. Isn’t this a lovely surprise?’ Turning back to David she told him bossily, ‘Give me your coat and hat and get yourself over by the fire to get warm. I was just making some tea. How long are you here for?’

He slowly removed his coat and after greeting Cissie and Sunday he answered, ‘I’ve been sent home for two weeks leave. I’m actually on my way to stay with my parents in Yorkshire but thought I’d pop in and see you on the way. It seems ages since I’ve seen Daisy and Thomas.’

Suddenly two little heads appeared out of the Morrison shelter and when they saw who it was Daisy screeched with happiness and charged across to him, while Thomas hung back shyly with his thumb jammed into his mouth

‘Crikey, you two have certainly grown.’ David chuckled as he tousled Daisy’s hair and held his other hand out to her brother.

‘Have you got anything for us, Uncle David?’ Daisy asked hopefully, remembering how he had never come without a treat for them and he laughed.

‘As it happens, I have.’ He fumbled in his jacket pocket and produced two sugar candy canes, causing the twins’ eyes to grow round with anticipation.

‘Thank you,’ they chorused greedily. ‘Can we eat them now, Mummy?’

Kathy gave them an indulgent smile. ‘I suppose so, just so long as you promise to eat your dinner,’ she warned. Then turning her attention back to their guest, she said, ‘You may be on your way home to Yorkshire but surely you could spare us just one night of your company at least? You could sleep in Livvy’s room. Is that all right, Mum?’

‘Absolutely, you can stay for as long as you like,’ Sunday told him warmly, noting the way Kathy’s cheeks were glowing. Could it be that the old saying was true? Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

‘In that case I’d be delighted to,’ David answered gratefully. ‘To be honest I am a bit tired. All the train stations leading into Coventry are closed because the lines have been bombed and it was a bit of a mission to get here. I’ve been travelling since early yesterday morning. I’m sure I could sleep the clock round!’