Dear mam,
When we waved goodbye, all I could do was be pale and clutch my sherbet lemon. Eventually, I sucked it, and it cheered me up so much! Thank you so much, mam. All the kids around me were so envious. A few minutes later, I felt sad again, so I decided to look around me. It was the first time I noticed that I was on a real, (cram packed) chugging train! I took little Lulu out and snuffled against her while I watched all the other kids. The kids! Really, the state of some of them- there was one little kid who didn’t have shoes, or a suitcase, he was just nibbling his half of bread while strangling his handkerchief!

Staring out of the window, I couldn’t help but gape at all the green. It just wasn’t…. neat or tidy. I loved it! Did you know that in the countryside, they kill animals, when they’re still young, and eat them?

In, forever, we were lined up to get chosen. I remembered what you said; I straitened my back, squared my shoulders, and tried to look dainty. I was so sure I would be the first one to be chosen, and I wasn’t. Children after children were picked. I couldn’t help but hunch up and snuffle into my handkerchief. It was in terrible need of a wash. But you’ll never guess what, an old lady chose me just a few seconds later! She wiped my tears and said,
‘What’s your name dearie?’
I was surprised by how gently she talked to me.
‘Shirley Miss. Shirly Clayvon.’
The lady smiled, and said something about calling her Old Rosie.

Later, we went to a little cottage called Nightingale cottage, and Old Rosie fed me up with a boiled egg, and some bacon! It tasted so succulent. In fact, Old Rosie even gave me a sprinkle of sugar! I almost felt at home Mam, but it just wasn’t the same without you. I have to sleep on the floor, but last minute Old Rosie is buying me a lovely new blanket for me. I am in safe hands mam.

I miss you so,
Love, love, LOVE from your very loving daughter, Shirley.

P.S. I did what you told me to- I prayed for Dad.