Hi loves,

I am so overwhelmed with the response I have had with this story. Every time I think of this story another idea pops up in my head and it feels good to be excited about writing again so thank you for enjoying this story with me - S

Anna sat with her legs crossed and her elbow resting on the bar, a glass of water in front of her. She had not taken a sip yet, it looked cloudy and dirty like it had come from a puddle outside. She drums her fingers on the counter top looking up at the clock, it was 3pm he should be here by now. Every day since Tommy's last letter had arrived she had come to the pub and waited for the land lord to come in, he would announce every day that no letters had arrived confirming the deaths of the Shelby family. The whole pub would let out a sigh of relief and the drinking would begin, she would slip out once this had happened and return again the next day to repeat the process.

Today however was different, he was late. Anna could feel her heart rate begin to rise and the panic felt like arms squeezing her chest. Did this mean that they are dead? She looked around at the pub, no one else seemed to be panicking- just her. She could feel her head getting lighter, she leans forwards and takes the glass in her hand. "I wouldn't drink that if I where you." A voice states, she feels the woman's eyes on her before she even looks around. It was the older Shelby woman, this must be the aunt that Tommy had mentioned in his letter. "You alright love?" The woman reaches her hand out to Anna, placing it on her shoulder. She only nods in response, words not forming in her dry mouth, she glances back at the clock 3:15 something was wrong. "Come on, come with me." The older woman grabs her arm roughly and pulls her from the stool, Anna stumbles on her feet but manages to regain her posture before she hit's the floor. She leads her to the private room that Anna had seen them enter the first time she had visited. Inside it was a table with benches around it, it did not look any different from any other part of the pub.

"I'm Polly." The woman introduces her self as she knocks on the hatch separating the room with the bar. "Whisky, three glasses." Polly snaps, the barmaid nods and rushes to hand her the glasses, nearly dropping the bottle of whisky as she does. Polly does not say thank you as she slams the hatch shut.

Polly places the glasses in front of her, pouring a large tipple into each. "This is Ada." Polly nods towards the girl to her right. Anna admired her for a moment, she had high cheekbones like her aunt but her hair was straight and in a short bob. If she hadn't known any different she would have guessed it was her daughter. "What's your name?" Polly slides the glass towards Anna and leans back on the bench watching the girl carefully.

"A-Anna." Anna splutters, taking the drink into her hands she stares down at it. Her father had always drank whisky and the smell made her feel sick to her stomach. It reminded her of him drunk at night shouting orders at the house hold, telling them to get out and stand in the yard whilst he had his way with one of the women of the night.

"Well Anna why do you look like your about to pass out?" Ada smirks at her, taking a sip of her whisky. Anna frowns, her hands still shaky.

"How long since you got your letter?" Polly asks gently, placing a hand on Anna's arm.

"A while." She mutters in response, bringing the whiskey to her lips she takes a small sip. The smell making her nearly heave but the burning felt soothing to her nerves.

"God takes the best first love." Polly nods at her. "That's why our lot aren't dead yet." She makes the sign of the cross and kisses the cross around her neck. Her words bring instant relief to her Anna, it felt to her as though someone had lit a match and she could finally see the light. Thomas was fine, she had no reason to worry today.

"I have to go." Anna gives a small smile to the women, nodding her head at them she does not wait fore there response as she runs out of the garrison, the summer rain belted down around her. Anna's hair was dripping wet by the time she got home and her dress was causing a puddle to form around her feet as she stood by her dressing table. She could write to him now that she knew he was safe.

Dear Thomas,

Today I met your Aunt and your Sister. I did not tell them who I was but they took me in when I was not well and made me feel better. It's thanks to them that I am writing to you today, I wasn't sure if I would again. If I could be your something to hold too when I feel so weak myself but I will be that for you Thomas, if this helps you.

Some of your letter was crossed out when it arrived. I imagine this is because it contained information that they did not want getting home. I have heard rumours that they do this when sensitive information is passed through letters. I heard that if this continues they will stop the men writing letters and they will only be able to send post cards with there name attached. I don't want this to happen so be careful. It feels as though your words are the only thing that are keeping me going at the moment.

This morning my sister asked me to sing for her, I used to love to sing, it was the only thing that would calm my father when he was in a rage. However since the war began the words have been harder to sing and since Freddie passed I have not sang a word. She says I will sing again one day, when I have had time to heal.

Her husband is home now, he was discharged due to being injured. When I fist saw him I could see the change in his eyes, it's almost like he had left his soul in France. I have been helping him to walk again, its taking time but he is making progress. I am almost pleased that I did not meet you before the war Thomas, if I had I might see the same change in your eyes and that is not something I want to see.

All my love,

Anna