Darkest Before Dawn Episode 20
Last night’s raid had seemed so much closer, and at times the bangs and crashes had been deafening – even worse than the night the shelter had ended up buried.
The drone of planes, the explosions and the guns went on for hours.
When it quietened down and Maud settled, she was wrenched from sleep by the nightmare and Isobel was there, holding her hand.
As always, her waking mind had raced over the past few weeks, trying to make sense of it all.
“Are you all right, Mum?” Isobel broke into her chaotic thoughts.
“Should we speak to Doctor Kirby about the nightmares?”
Maud sat up on the bed and rubbed her eyes. She was so tired. Her eyes felt dry and hot.
She missed Alf and Edward, and she missed home.
“I’m all right,” she lied.
When the all clear sounded, Maud hesitated before coming out of the shelter.
What if they were buried again? What if this time they couldn’t be rescued?
Those thoughts plagued her every time.
What of Rose? Was she safe? She worked at the hospital. What if it was hit?
“Let me,” Isobel said, and reached for the door.
The smell of smoke was overpowering, but they could see more of the sky than they should.
Rose’s house had gone, along with half the street!
Maud’s knees gave way and Sidney grabbed her and held her up.
By the time Rose returned from her night shift, the Pollards had packed their belongings from the shelter, which didn’t amount to much.
“I’m so sorry, Rose,” Maud said, hugging her sister-in-law. “Your house.”
“It’s just a house,” Rose replied. “The important thing is that you’re safe.”
A shadow crossed her face and Maud knew she saw far more loss of life than anyone ever should.
Dr Kirby arrived a few minutes later.
“I heard this street was hit!” he cried. “Oh, Rose!”
“I’m all right,” she said firmly. “As I told Maud, it’s just a house. Our priority is to find alternative accommodation.”
“We have alternative accommodation,” Maud declared. “We’re going home.
“Come with us, Rose. You can’t stay here now.”
“You should go with Maud,” James reasoned. “It’s too dangerous here.”
“I’m staying,” Rose said stubbornly. “I’m needed at the hospital.”
“Can I stay, too?” Sidney asked.
“No,” Rose said. “I’ll visit as soon as I can, I promise. Let’s get you to Liverpool Street and on your way.”
“What about you?” Maud asked.
She hated the thought of leaving Rose behind.
“Someone will put me up,” Rose replied. “Don’t you worry about me.”
“I’ll make sure she’s all right,” James promised.
“I’m putting up another doctor and two nurses. We’ve room for another.”
“Thank you,” Rose said, her cheeks flushing.
“I don’t know how to thank you for all you’ve done for us, and I’ll miss you, Rose,” Maud said.
Rose choked on a sob.
“Give my love to Alf.”
It took a while to get to the station, and they presented a bedraggled group.
What a contrast to when they’d arrived, smartly dressed and with luggage. All they had now were the clothes they stood up in.