Darkest Before Dawn Episode 32
Maud had really struck gold when it came to her thoughtful daughter-in-law, and she was right: they had to soak up every minute with him that they could.
Eddie didn’t say much about where he’d been or what he’d seen, and was more interested in what they’d all been up to.
“I can’t believe how grown up you look, Isobel. You’re a proper young lady now.
“And you, Sidney. Look at you! You’ll soon be as tall as me.
“Mum, you’ve changed, too,” Eddie continued. “You look younger and more confident, and very smart in your uniform. The war has been good for you.”
“I wouldn’t say that,” Maud burst out, remembering their time in London and the terror of the Blitz.
“It’s true, Mum,” Isobel argued. “You’re stronger than you’ve ever been.”
It was a compliment and Maud felt humbled by it.
All too soon it was time for Eddie to go.
“I’ll be back before you know it,” he said, as if he were just off to the pub.
“If only your dad were here,” Maud mused. “He’ll be so sorry he missed you.”
“He’s going to be busy for a while,” Eddie replied. “Tell him I think of him often and I’ll see him soon.”
They left the room so he could say goodbye to Tilly.
When he left, after hugs, tears and kisses, Sidney ran down the road behind him.
“Can I walk with you, Eddie?” he called out.
His brother wrapped his arm round his shoulders and they disappeared round the corner together.
Maud felt as if her heart would burst with happiness and sorrow.
Sidney was fourteen now, and if this war didn’t end soon there was a chance he could end up fighting. It didn’t bear thinking about.
After the joy of seeing Eddie, Maud felt suddenly crushed, and not at all the strong woman Isobel claimed she was.
She had an awful feeling she’d never see her son again.