Only the first four lines of the song and the full chorus were sung in the episode. I invoked poetic license in the preceding chapters and included a few more lines and I've done the same in this chapter.

-ooo-

Nights are growing very lonely,
Days are very long;

When was the last time she had sung this song?

I'm a-growing weary only
List'ning for your song.

It must have been in France, on a night the canteen doubled as a concert hall. She had been exhausted and depressed, wondering how, or if, any of them would ever make it home, not believing they would.

A young private, bandaged and bruised but not broken, had raised his eyebrow at her and given her a cheeky once-over. And winked.

She had been so surprised he could still feel mischief and fun and desire that she vowed she would feel them again too. It had been a life-affirming moment and she had winked back at him for the sheer joy of seeing his smile.

I forget that you're not with me yet
When I think I see you smile.

Cec clutched his cap as he sang, his voice hitching with emotion now and then. The song would be a reminder of war and loss for him and Bert too.

Bert, loving and sweet under a gruff and rough exterior, had his arm around her aunt, tenderly watching over her.

Dot was too young to really remember the war but she understood when compassion was needed and gently held the older woman's hand as a further reminder her she was not alone.

Jack had his eyes closed and his jaw set. Of course he would know this song. It would be a reminder of war and loss and probably also his marriage.

There's a long, long trail a-winding
Into the land of my dreams,

Her Aunt Prudence was transfixed, shoulders shaking, tears rolling down each cheek. She had fought long and hard for her son and her heart was well and truly broken.

Phryne sang for her aunt, to remind her she had been the best mother Arthur could have had.

Where the nightingales are singing
And a white moon beams.

She sang for the losses she and Jack and Bert and Cec had endured at home and at war.

There's a long, long night of waiting
Until my dreams all come true;

She fought back her own tears and sang for Arthur, whom she had loved and defended with equal fierceness.

Till the day when I'll be going down
That long, long trail with you.

She saw the veil of heartache lift from her aunt's eyes and felt her own sorrow wash away too.