She had ducked out of the way just as one of Lilith’s shoes came careering towards her. ‘You nearly had my bleedin’ head off!’

Her grandmother spoke through pursed lips. ‘If you don’t hold your tongue, I’ll make sure I don’t miss next time.’

As time wore on, things became more and more fractious, with everyone blaming each other for the bad atmosphere. The only escape Roz had was Felix and Mabel, and she made sure she was with them as much as possible.

Now, as Mabel and Roz approached Felix, they were pleased to see that he had finished work early and was already leading Coconut away from the docks. Seeing the girls approach, he grinned at them like the cat that got the cream.

‘What’s put such a smile on your face?’ asked Roz, smiling back.

‘I’ve found a place above the ironmonger’s on the Scottie Road. It’s perfect, two beds – I’ll have the smallest – and it’s dry, warm and ours if we want it.’

Roz stared at him, temporarily lost for words, but she quickly found her tongue. ‘You mean it?’

He nodded. ‘I’ve spoken to the landlord and explained our circumstances, and he said he doesn’t care who moves in as long as they pay the rent on time, and don’t make a mess.’

‘But I’ve got no job, not a paid one at any rate …’ said Roz doubtfully.

Mabel had been fiddling with some Everton mints which had got stuck to the paper bag they were in, but now she looked up. ‘You can start at Mr Woo’s as soon as you like. He’s got women leavin’ left, right and centre to go and work in the munitions factories.’ She carefully pulled the paper off one of the sweets before popping it into her mouth and stowing it in the side of her cheek. She offered the bag to the other two, then added, ‘Not that I’d fancy workin’ in one of them places. Dad says it’s ruddy dangerous work, and you turn yellow.’

‘Phosphorus,’ said Felix as he declined the proffered bag of sweets, ‘that’s what makes your skin and hair turn yellow; it’s also what causes the explosions.’

Roz grimaced. ‘Far safer in the laundry, although I wouldn’t mind doing my bit if they ask me to.’

‘Like joining one of the services?’ Mabel asked.

‘Yes, if they’d have me,’ said Roz, ‘but I’ve a while ’til I’m eighteen and I’d rather hope it would all be over well before then.’

‘So are we agreed?’ said Felix. ‘I can’t legally rent until I’m eighteen, but seeing as it’s my birthday soon …’

Roz couldn’t stop the smile from creasing her cheeks. ‘You really are a marvel, Felix Ackerman.’

He shrugged dismissively. ‘You’d do the same for me.’

Mabel nudged Roz in the ribs. ‘Are you going to tell the Haggartys or are you goin’ to just get up one mornin’ and walk out?’