Chapter 24
Summary
- Hazel receives a letter from her mother, announcing a visit in three weeks and prompting a promise of mutual letter writing.
- Hazel and Flora count down the days to their mother's visit by marking a homemade calendar.
- Despite some hardships at school as an evacuee, Hazel enjoys life in Binsey, including Bridie’s cooking, Harry’s sketches, and adventures with Kelty in the woods.
- Kelty, who has a tough life with Mrs. Marchman, bonds with Hazel and Flora, and they build a fort together near the river.
- Hazel writes letters to Mum, filling her in on their countryside experiences and drawing pictures, though feeling it's insufficient.
- Flora panics and puts on a gas mask after mistaking a police siren for an air raid warning, revealing her deep-seated fears.
- Hazel struggles with math, feels embarrassed in front of Harry, and refuses his help due to her developing feelings for him.
- Flora and Hazel argue briefly over counting numbers, illustrating Hazel's frustration and concern for appearing foolish.
- Hazel comforts Flora, who is quick to forgive, showing the close sisterly bond and Hazel's desire to be more grown-up.
- Kelty sneaks to Hazel's window at night to inform her of her runaway plan, leaving Hazel worried but sworn to secrecy.
- Hazel reveals to Bridie that she is unhappy at school and Bridie agrees to let her be schooled at home like Harry.
- Hazel breaks her promise to Kelty by confessing Kelty's runaway plan to Bridie, who understands and vows to ensure her safety.
- Hazel and Flora eagerly await their mother's arrival, coping with the unease of separation but hoping to keep their new life.
- Mum arrives, bringing comfort and gifts, but displays signs of stress and change due to the war.
- Despite Mum's altered demeanor after the war starts, the family enjoys a pleasant visit, and Hazel’s fears of war disrupting happiness are assuaged.
- After Mum leaves, Hazel, although knowing Mum is upset, feels content with staying in Binsey and dreads a return to Bloomsbury.