Darkest Before Dawn Episode 08
The family settled into the new normality of life at war until the following May, when Alf made a momentous decision following the downing of a German bomber at Clacton-on-Sea in April.
“Two people killed, dozens injured, countless homes destroyed,” Alf stated.
“It’s dreadful.” Maud shook her head sadly.
Even though they were the enemy, she knew they would have been someone’s sons, husbands and fathers.
“I know the way your mind works, Maud,” Alf said.
“The Heinkel was laying mines to destroy our ships. You know who’ll be on those ships? Our boys.
“That includes Edward. Maybe John. Don’t waste your sympathy on them.”
Maud stared at him and he wrapped his arms around her.
“I didn’t mean to frighten you, but now we’ve had the first civilian casualties, there may be many more.
“Here, with ships in the harbour, we’re vulnerable to enemy bombs.”
“We’re safe here, Alf,” Maud insisted. “It’s not far to the shelter. The ARP and everyone were so quick to rush to the rescue . . .”
Her voice tailed off when she realised he was shaking his head.
“They had no warning,” he said. “And there is the danger of invasion. I’ve made a decision. I’m moving you to London.”
“What?” Maud cried, her heart pounding.
Leave her home? What if Edward came back and found the house empty?
“Never!” she exclaimed.
“Rose will be happy to put you up. Please, Maud.”
“We’ll be fine here,” she said stubbornly. “Isobel has her job. And what about Tilly?”
“Tilly will go with you. The girls will find other jobs in London.”
Alf had always done the right thing for his family, and Maud knew she’d have to trust him now.
He’d always made the big decisions and she wondered how she’d cope in the city without him.
“What about you?” she said. “How can we leave you behind?”
“I’ll come to see you when I can,” he promised, pulling her back into his arms.