It was the morning after Felix’s deportation, and Roz was up betimes. Having not had much sleep the night before, she supposed it was better for her to be busy, so she got ready for work at the laundry. Hurrying down the stairs which led to the road, she found Mabel walking up to greet her.

Roz was about to explain all that had happened the previous day, but it seemed bad news travelled fast.

‘Our Robin told us everything – poor Felix. I was dying to come and see you last night, but my tummy was still playing cartwheels.’

Roz nodded. ‘Thanks, Mabel, and don’t worry, I know you’d have come if you could. I hope you’re feeling better?’

‘Much, thanks, but never mind me – how are you feeling this morning?’ said Mabel, falling into step beside Roz.

‘Numb,’ said Roz simply. ‘I don’t think it’s sunk in yet, and of course I’m ever hopeful that something else will happen that might cause the Dunera to turn back.’

Mabel smiled sympathetically. ‘I reckon Felix is probably hoping the same.’

‘I wish I was eighteen,’ said Roz. ‘They might have taken me too.’

‘What about your mam and dad?’ Mabel asked. ‘You’d not find them if you were living in Australia.’

Roz looked grim. ‘I may not find them living in Liverpool either. In fact, the more time that goes by, the more I start to wonder if I shall ever see them again.’

Mabel walked on in silence before speaking her thoughts. ‘Do you really think that?’

Roz hesitated before answering. ‘How can I not? It’s been over a year now and no one saw my parents after the crash. For all I know, the Germans already have them.’ She added hastily, ‘I hope not, of course I do, but it does seem strange that they were nowhere to be seen. I know my parents wouldn’t have left me on my own, not willingly.’

Mabel slipped her arm through Roz’s. ‘I know it’s not much of a consolation, but you’ve always got me.’ She smiled up at her friend. ‘I’m not as handsome as Felix, nor can I understand the same as he does, but I’m a good listener, and I’ll help in any way I can.’

Roz squeezed Mabel’s arm. ‘I know you are, and I’m very lucky to have met you …’ A thought occurred to her. ‘I’m not going to be able to afford the flat on my own after the month’s up. I don’t suppose you’d like to move in with me, straight away if you like? You’d not have to pay the first month, as that’s already paid for.’

Mabel looked up excitedly. ‘Really? Just me and you? On our own? Girls together?’