Page 34 of Sisters Under The Rising Sun

‘We were told to come here, no explanation,’ Jean whispers to Nesta.

Ah Fat begins to translate for the officer.

‘You must move. Captain Miachi has two new houses for you. Just few doors down. Get ready. Quick, quick.’

Nesta sees several of her nurses opening their mouths to object, but she gives her head a sharp shake and they close them again. They can take their possessions, but the houses must be left clean and tidy.

The vacated houses will be an officers’ club, Ah Fat continues to interpret for the officer. Once the club has been established, the nurses will become … hostesses.

No one speaks as the officer and interpreter leave.

But once they’ve gone, the room erupts into angry chatter. Defiance thrums through the group.

‘I’m not doing it!’

‘No way!’

‘I’d rather die!’

Nesta and Jean watch their nurses vent their anger.

‘Girls – please, girls. Let’s just all calm down,’ Nesta says.

‘Nesta, I don’t care what you say, I’m not letting one of those bastards put his hands on me,’ one yells.

‘Nobody is putting a hand on any of us. It will be over my dead body before I let them near us. However, we have more immediate things to worry about. Moving.’

‘What are we taking?’ a nurse calls out.

‘Everything,’ Nesta replies angrily. ‘Absolutely bloody everything.’

‘Does that include the stove?’ Betty asks in jest.

‘That includes the stove. And, of course, my bed.’

As the women are packing what they can, disconnecting the stove, moving Nesta’s cot ready for the transfer, Margaret appears with Norah and Ena.

‘Word’s got round, so we’ve come to help,’ Norah informs the nurses.

‘Thank you! Three extra pairs of hands are just what we need,’ says Nesta.

Margaret pushes the door wide open. ‘There’s more than three of us!’

Dozens of women are gathered outside the nurses’ houses, ready to help.

‘I have a plan,’ Margaret announces.

‘We’re all ears,’ grins Nesta.

‘We form a human chain from number 26 to this house, then another from here to your new places. It will save a hell of a lot of walking backwards and forwards.’

‘Great idea,’ Betty says, the mood amongst the nurses beginning to shift as they acknowledge the kindness and effort of the volunteers.

Nesta turns back to her girls. ‘When I said everything, ladies, I meanteverything. If it isn’t part of the structure, take it.’

‘I’m not sure I can pass the stove or the cot along,’ Betty says, smiling broadly.

‘Not to worry. We can leave them ’til last and carry them together.’