Chapter 16
Contains spoilers
Summary
- In September 1939, two sisters, Flora and Hazel, spend their first night in Binsey, sharing a bed.
- Hazel tells Flora a comforting story set in an imaginary place called Whisperwood, with lions, talking animals, and a magical forest.
- As Flora falls asleep to the story, Hazel reflects on their mother and their old bedrooms, feeling uncertain about their new circumstances.
- Hazel writes a postcard to their mother to assure her of their safety and express their longing for her.
- Hazel struggles with a disturbing dream involving the postcard not reaching their mother but shakes it off when she smells breakfast.
- Hazel finds a pencil drawing of Flora's stuffed animal, Berry, slipped under their door, which comforts her after the bad dream.
- In the kitchen, Bridie, the mother of the Aberdeen family they're staying with, greets Hazel warmly and serves her breakfast.
- Hazel enjoys the porridge and sausage, noting that it tastes better than her mother's cooking, which makes her feel guilty.
- Bridie explains that the cream is from their own cow, highlighting the Aberdeen family's self-sufficiency during rationing.
- Hazel entertains the idea of a "sugar cow" due to the lack of sweets, showing the innocence and whimsy of a child's perspective.
- Bridie's fondness for Hazel and the fact that her son Harry chose the sisters to stay with them makes Hazel feel special and accepted.
- Hazel watches Harry as he finishes his chores outside, feeling a sense of awe at the expansive, untainted natural environment around them.
- Flora calls out in distress, worried Hazel had left her, but Hazel reassures her sister that they are together and safe, calming her fears.