They finally pulled apart breathlessly, aware they were the focus of everyone else on the platform. ‘I can hardly believe you’re here,’ she said, the palm of her hand tenderly cupping his cheek as her gaze noted the damage to his ear and the sickly pallor of his drawn face. ‘Oh, darling man. It’s so very good to see you.’

Martin was in a daze, for her welcome had been overwhelming and the noise of the busy station was beginning to echo in his head and confuse him. ‘Where are the girls?’ he asked, looking towards the barrier.

Anne’s gaze slid away, and she opened her handbag to retrieve a handkerchief as if she needed a moment to gather her thoughts. ‘I left them with Vi at the farm. I thought it would be best for them to meet you at home instead of a crowded station.’ She smiled up at him fleetingly and tucked her hand into his arm. ‘Besides, I thought we could spend a bit of time together without them pestering for attention.’

The momentary joy of this reunion was shattered in the suspicion that she meant she didn’t want the girls causing a scene at the sight of him, and the knowledge broke his heart. But he said nothing as he hoisted up the kitbag and walked with her to the ticket barrier.

The effects of the long journey were beginning to make themselves felt and he became very much on edge as they joined the bustling, eddying crowds on the concourse. The noise was awful, getting louder in his head and making him giddy.

Anne was chattering away at his side and didn’t seem to notice he was struggling, so he gritted his teeth, determined to remain calm and focused on the exit which seemed miles away.

As the exit drew closer he was about to congratulate himself on making it outside without mishap when a sudden echoing announcement came over the loudspeakers and made him freeze. He was back in the camp. The guards were blowing their whistles because someone was missing at roll call, and the Commandant was issuing orders through the megaphone.

‘Martin?’ Anne tugged his arm. ‘Martin? Whatever’s the matter?’

Oblivious to Anne, he stayed frozen to the spot. To speak or move would bring about a beating, and it didn’t matter how cold he got, or how exhausted, he must stay on his feet with the other prisoners.

Anne tugged his arm harder. ‘Martin, what’s got into you?’ she hissed. ‘People are beginning to stare and you’re frightening me.’

The sharpness of fear in her voice brought him back to the present, but it felt as if he was sleepwalking. ‘It’s the noise,’ he managed. ‘I have to get out of here.’

Anne didn’t ask any more questions, but quickly led him outside and across the road to where she’d parked the farm’s Land Rover.