Page 40 of Sisters Under The Rising Sun

‘Well, if we’re not here, then they can’t punish the others,’ Nesta says.

‘You mean if we’re all dead?’

Still, no one speaks. Nesta looks around the circle, taking in the mood of the women. She feels it too, feels the precipice upon which they stand. But would they really die for this cause?

‘I’m in,’ Betty says, finally.

‘Now wait …’ Nesta begins.

‘Me too.’

‘Me too.’

‘Lead on.’

The nurses volunteer in a chorus of agreement.

As they all agree to lay down their lives, Nesta has never felt prouder. She has not shed a tear since theVyner Brookewas bombed, but now, now she’s crying.

And then all heads turn as a single nurse stands up and announces, ‘You don’t need to die. I’ll do it.’

There is a moment of silence and then Vivian says, very quietly, ‘Do what?’

‘Go to their club. Submit. Whatever it is they want.’

‘No! You won’t, you can’t,’ Betty says, also jumping up.

Another nurse is on her feet. ‘I’ll go with you.’

All eyes swivel to the new volunteer.

‘I’ll go too. And do sit down, Betty,’ says a third.

‘Make me number four.’ Another nurse rises, her hands reaching for the other volunteers.

Everyone is on their feet by now, loudly challenging the women who would sacrifice themselves for the camp. Nesta and Jean allow them to go on for a few moments longer before calling everyone to order.

‘Do you understand what it is you’re volunteering for?’ Jean asks.

The four women look at each other. ‘We know,’ one says.

‘Then why?’

‘I look at all of you; you’re so young, you will leave this place, fall in love, get married, have babies. That’s not something I ever considered for myself.’

‘You’re only three years older than me,’ Vivian says.

The nurse laughs. ‘Only three years, huh? Vivian, please let me do this, not just for you lot, but for the other women and children. I’m fine with my decision.’

For hours, the four nurses defend their intentions to the rest of the group and finally, with heavy hearts, their great sacrifice is accepted.

‘Betty, will you do something please?’ Nesta asks.

‘Anything.’

‘Please will you run to Margaret’s and ask her for a Bible?’

‘Why?’ Jean asks, perplexed.