Ivy thudded down the stairs and slammed the back door behind her on the way to the post box at the end of the street, and Peggy silently prayed that everything would turn out all right, and she’d just been over-imagining things.

Fran had been quite overwhelmed by the love, thoughtfulness and hard work everyone had put in to make her last night at Beach View so special. She would miss all of them dreadfully – especially Ron and Peggy, who’d been such stalwart, caring supporters during the eight years she’d been living here. Consequently, she’d had to battle her tears as people began to drift home, and she’d had to say her last goodbyes.

As Colonel White went to fetch Doris’s coat, Fran handed her the precious violin. ‘Thank you for lending me this,’ she said. ‘I’ve made sure it’s tuned and given it new strings and a good polish.’

‘Bless you, dear,’ said Doris, whose eyes were suspiciously bright. ‘It was a pleasure to hear you playing it so beautifully.’ She handed it back to Fran. ‘Please keep it, and when you next play it, think of us and the happy times we’ve had.’

‘But it’s a very valuable instrument,’ Fran protested. ‘I can’t possibly accept it.’

‘Take it with my blessing, dear. I know of no one else who deserves it more, and it would be a crime to lock it away and never hear it again.’ Doris firmly pushed the violin into Fran’s arms. ‘Just promise me you’ll come back and play it for us one day.’ She slipped on the coat the Colonel was holding out for her, then softly patted Fran’s cheek. ‘God speed, Fran.’

Fran laid the violin carefully on the table before flinging her arms around Doris. ‘Thank you, thank you,’ she managed through her tears. ‘I will treasure it always.’

Doris eventually drew from the embrace and turned swiftly away before her emotions got the better of her.

Fran tearfully watched her bustle away. She could hardly equate this soft-hearted Doris with the ghastly, bossy one who’d made everyone’s lives such a misery when she’d moved into Beach View and virtually taken over. It was amazing what love could do, she thought, and silently wished Doris and the Colonel all the luck in the world.

‘’Tis a fine thing to see that woman softened up,’ rumbled Ron with a twinkle in his eyes. ‘To be sure we have a lot to thank the Colonel for.’ He rose from his chair and held out his arms. ‘Come, wee girl, and give me a hug. I know how hard this leaving must be for you – to be sure it’s hard for me too.’