Page 45 of Neighbors at War

Sitting up straighter with some effort, Sylvia frowned. ‘Whatever’s the matter, dear?’

Irritated with herself for not being more careful, Helen shook her head. ‘It’s nothing,’ she fibbed, frantically trying to think of something to say. ‘I was, er, just thinking about Richard.’

‘You’ve decided to reply to his telegram then?’ her aunt asked, appearing happy at the thought. Helen suspected her aunt wanted her to reply more than she would like to admit and she couldn’t help thinking that it was the right thing to do.

‘Yes, I think I will.’

Sylvia pulled her shawl tighter round her chest. ‘I’m pleased, though curious to know what made you change your mind.’

‘I think it was discovering Tony had been arrested. It made me consider how I’d feel if something happened to Richard and I hadn’t bothered to reply to him when I had the chance.’ She couldn’t bring herself to say the words.

‘I know, dear. And for what it’s worth, I think you’re being sensible.’

‘You do?’

‘Yes. It’s one thing sticking to your principles during peacetime, but this is war and everything is a bit topsy-turvy, especially when it comes to relationships, and especially love.’

She wasn’t sure why she was surprised to hear her aunt’s opinion. ‘Now I need to think what to say. I don’t want to give him false hope and I don’t think it’s right that I tell him about Bobby. Something like that should be done face-to-face.’ She noticed the doubt on her aunt’s face. ‘What do you think?’

‘I believe the most important thing is to know you’ve done the right thing by Bobby.’ Sylvia looked down at her hands briefly. ‘I’m sorry, but I believe that would be to tell Richard about him. Everything else will sort itself out somehow.’

Her aunt was right. She had already wasted too much time, and if she couldn’t do what she believed to be the right thing during these dark times, then there was something lacking in her.

‘You’re right. I’ll do it during my lunch break tomorrow.’

‘Good girl.’ Sylvia smiled. It dawned on Helen that her aunt had been waiting for her to come to this conclusion for a while.

‘It matters to you that I do this, doesn’t it?’

Sylvia nodded slowly. ‘I worry that when this war ends – because we have to believe that it will – your parents might not accept that dear little boy.’ She took a deep breath. ‘I’m concerned that if I’m not around, you’ll need someone to turn to.’ She reached out and took Helen’s trembling hand in hers. ‘Sweetheart, none of us should be alone, especially not a young mother, and even if the only relationship you have with Richard is as friends, at least I’ll know there’s another adult who loves Bobby almost as much as I do.’

Helen cleared her throat, not wishing to cry. ‘Almost as much?’ she teased, desperate to divert her aunt’s attention from the seriousness of what she was saying.

Sylvia stared at her before her face relaxed into a smile. ‘All seriousness aside, I believe his father couldn’t fail to love Bobby.’

Unable to contain her tears any longer, Helen began to sob. Her aunt went to her and gave her a hug. ‘Whatever happens, promise me you’ll never give up hoping that everything will work out in the end.’

How could she make a promise about something she didn’t know she had the strength to do?

‘You mustn’t despair, Helen. It never helped anyone. Bobby needs you to be strong.’

Seeing the concern on her aunt’s face, Helen knew she needed to reassure her. ‘I promise I’ll stay strong for him.’

She helped her aunt upstairs, promising to tell her what she would write in her telegram to Richard the following morning, then kissed her goodnight.

Her aunt hugged her tightly. ‘Don’t fret too much about what you’ll say. The most important thing he needs is a reply. Anything else will be a bonus.’

‘I’ll bear that in mind.’

Helen closed her aunt’s bedroom door quietly and went to her room where Bobby was sleeping soundly. As she washed and changed, she thought about what her aunt had said. It was a relief to have the pressure taken away, not having to struggle to find the perfect reply. She slid between her freezing sheets and shivered. She still hadn’t decided whether to mention Bobby.

By the morning, she was no less agitated. The dawn was breaking and after only a couple of hours’ sleep she sat on her bed with a pencil and piece of paper determined to come up with a message for him.

Finally, she had something. It wasn’t perfect but it would do.

Should have spoken before leaving. Bobby (your son), Aunt Sylvia and I are well. Have job and friends. Keep safe. Please send word again. Helen

Deciding she couldn’t improve it any further, Helen dressed, folded the piece of paper and tucked it in her skirt pocket to show her aunt.