THE JOURNEY 

By Tessa Harvey

    Hope danced a bright tune in Josie's mind. Mindful where she was treading, she hurried to the row of dustbins. The enemy planes were veering away, probably low on fuel and the intensity of noisy bombing eased.
    "Josha, Jenna!" she called, it's me, Josie. Please answer." One of the bins shivered violently. She heard bangs but no voices. Quickly she ran to steady the rocking bin and eased away the lid. Two frightened faces looked up. Jenna was clutching a tiny kitten. Josie hugged the trembling children.
    "Marie," she called, "here's Kitty!" The neighbour hurried over to the little creature, a small shine of happiness in a dark place. 
    "I saw your husband looking up and heading to the factory to sell some groceries cheap. Mind if I tag along? If the little girl holds Kitty, we could carry your boy turn and turn about?"
    Josie was grateful for the help. The factory was nearby. Was Patrick safe? What of her son, Thomas? Alice? At least she had the little ones safe now.

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