‘I did.’
‘What was it? Something important?’
‘I’m going to paint a mural on the end wall that’s always covered in graffiti.’
Mr Yin looked delighted. ‘That’s marvellous. Well done.’
‘Yes, it is marvellous,’ I agreed. ‘At least, I hope it will be.’
‘I have faith in you, Stephanie.’
I beamed at him. ‘Thank you,’ I said. ‘I hope it’s not misguided.’
Chapter 16
Elsie
1940
My good mood lasted all day, even though Nelly and I didn’t get much sleep before our night shifts because we’d been so busy.
‘You left the book with Barbara?’ Nelly asked as we walked to work later. There was no sign of Jackson, for once, and I was glad.
‘I did. She was going to take it to her ward because she thought some of her patients might like to write about this war compared with the last one.’
‘God, poor buggers, living through this twice,’ Nelly said. ‘At least they’re old enough not to fight this time round. One of the surgeons was telling me yesterday that his brother was at Amiens, when he was only fifteen, and he’s joined up again this time. He said his mother is beside herself with worry.’
‘Crikey. The poor woman.’
Nelly put her arm through mine. ‘I know. It made me think of my mammy, you know? I get annoyed with her fussing, but it’s only because she cares.’
‘That’s what I keep telling you.’
She smiled at me. ‘Maybe I should read her letters?’
‘You should.’
‘I’m staying here, mind you.’
‘Glad to hear it.’
As we walked into the hospital, Frank was there chatting to the girl who worked on reception.
‘How are you still here?’ I said. ‘You have to go home, Frank.’
‘I’m heading out now,’ he said with a grin. ‘Don’t you worry about me.’
I laughed and he gave me a nudge. ‘Everyone’s talking about you.’
‘Are they?’ I gave Nelly a slightly questioning glance and she shrugged. ‘Why?’
‘Not you personally, it’s your book they’re talking about,’ he said. ‘Every ward I go in, people are chatting about it. Everyone wants to write in it.’
‘Where is it?’ I said. ‘Do you know?’
‘Last I heard one of the Red Cross nurses had taken it.’
‘In the huts?’ I frowned. ‘I thought all the airmen had written in it already.’
