Nan found that she had difficulty recollecting the next few days. She chose to remain alone for much of the time, though each night she would go and sleep in her sisters bed. Every minute of her waking day she thought of Jerry, hoping and praying that he was getting better. There had been no more word on his condition since the telegram, and there was no idea on when news would next come.
Nan tended to avoid spending time with Faith, who was almost as badly effected on the news of Jerry's wounds as Nan was. Nan did not know why she was avoiding Faith, who was one of the people in the world who she was closest to. Maybe she was scared of having a conversation with Faith, as it would undoubtedly be one of great emotional strain. However one afternoon Faith sought out Nan and forced her friend to talk to her.
"I've something to tell you." Faith said as she came into Nan's room.
Nan looking up in surprise asked hopefully, "Is it news on how Jerry is?"
"No I'm afraid not." Faith told her shortly her face grave.
Nan did not answer; she felt she had nothing to say so she waited for Faith's news.
"I've decided to become a V.A.D, and will be going to England shortly."
"Oh." Nan said taking in this new information in surprise.
"I have to do something you see Nan." Faith explained. "I've finished Redmond now, there's nothing for me to do in Canada other than teach and as much as I love teaching I feel that I need to do something for the war. I need to help in some way."
"You're being very brave." Nan said slowly. "Much braver than I am."
"You never could stand the sight of blood though Nan." Faith told her with the faintest ghost of a smile on her face. "A fine doctors daughter you are."
"Di is the one of us two who can stomach blood and all that sort of thing. I'm surprised she hasn't attempted to become a V.A.D to."
"I have." Di said from the doorway causing Nan and Faith to jump. "But Dad wouldn't give his consent he said that I needed to remain in Canada for the sake of Mother." She did not add that Gilbert had also said that she needed to stick by her twin and support her.
"I'm sorry Di." Nan told her sincerely.
"It's fine." Di replied with a shrug. "I've got Red Cross work to do here."
"When do you sail Faith?" Nan asked.
"Next week."
"So soon!" Nan said incredulously, "Will you be able to go home and say goodbye to everyone?"
"No, but they'll understand." Faith said confidently though her eyes were bright at the thought of going thousands of miles away without saying goodbye to her Father.
"Well when you do get out there Faith, you find that brother of yours and tell him not to go and get himself injured again." Nan for the first time spoke with the certainty that Jerry was alive.
Faith smiled, "I will Nan, you bet I will!"