Hazel and the other exiled children arrive in Oxford, filled with beautiful architecture and supportive locals.
Hazel experiences hope as the townspeople cheer for the children, perhaps signifying a positive turn in her journey.
A local boy welcomes the children, and Hazel’s knapsack breaks, spilling her belongings on the street.
Despite initially resisting help, Hazel accepts assistance from the boy who helps collect her items.
While Hazel is upset over the disarray of her belongings, the boy offers comfort and kindness.
Hazel and her sister, Flora, arrive at the town hall, where families select evacuee children to take home.
A man chooses a defiant older boy, indicating that families have preferences for certain types of children.
When a strange woman shows interest in Flora, Hazel is protective but reminded that Flora’s attractive features are a draw for potential foster families.
Children, viewed as commodities by the locals, show signs of fear and desperation as they wait to be chosen.
Hazel and Flora are called "evacuees" in official terms, and they face the reality that they might not be chosen and left behind.
A distressing poster highlights the grim circumstances and encourages local families to take in evacuees.
A woman in a blue skirt provides the children with milk and biscuits, a small comfort in the tension-filled room.
Flora wishes to escape to a "land" story, but Hazel can't retreat into fantasy in the heavy reality of their situation.
As families continue to pick children, Hazel silently urges a well-dressed woman to choose them.
The boy from the street, Harry, recognizes Hazel and introduces her to his mother.
Harry's mother, initially reluctant due to needing a boy to help, is swayed by the children's background and Harry’s insistence.
Flora offers that she and Hazel can share a bed, convincing Bridgette Aberdeen to take them both in.
Mrs. Aberdeen expresses an interest in Bloomsbury, reflecting her cultural inclinations and perhaps signaling a suitable match for the girls.
Bridgette Aberdeen agrees to take Hazel and Flora home with her, providing a moment of unexpected happiness and relief.
The chapter concludes with the confirmation that Hazel and Flora will stay with the Aberdeens, a beam of hope amongst the uncertainty.