Peter and I looked at each other, terrified. All the practice rounds in my mind vanished.

“What should we do?” I asked with my hands shaking increasingly.

Peter said, “Get the backpack with the books, and file! There’s an Anderson shelter two blocks away! I’ll get the money Dad gave us and get some clothes for us!” he grabbed a bag as we ran up the stairs.

We both frantically grabbed our things and ran down, and out to the street.

“I don’t know where Anderson shelter is Pete!” I said on the verge of tears.

“I do! Come on follow me, Tom!” Peter said jerking my arm, half dragging me behind him.

The first bombs exploded around us. I almost tripped several times, but Peter still holding my arm pulled me right back up.

“There!” I said pointing to the many signs saying “S” and under saying “Shelter for 700”.

We pushed the metal door aside, closed it and turned to inspect the shelter, it was crowded with people. It was dimly lit by torches and candles and “Flowerpot Heaters” which was an upturned terracotta flowerpot over a candle. This served a dual purpose: it dimmed the light to avoid detection, and the pot absorbed heat, acting as a small space heater. It was genius.

“Sit here boys,” A tired looking Mother said, rocking a baby.

“My names Tom,” I said, “His name is Peter, what’s your name?” I asked her.

“Majorie, and this is Maggie” she said pointing to the baby.

“She’s adorable!” Peter said.

She smiled, “I know,” she frowned, “She’s all I have in this world, we were out for a stroll when the bombs started, our building was bombed. My husband…” she trailed off, she lifted her face, eyes filled with tears.

I pated her back, “Were sorry.” I spoke.

Then a scary thought filled my mind, what about our mother?

I met Peter’s eyes, and I knew he was thinking the same thing.

I looked down and looked over the backpack and bag we had.

“What did you pack?” I asked Peter.

“Some clothes, the sealed biscuit tin with the emergency supplies Mum had, and food.” Peter responded.

Majorie looked up pleadingly and asked, “Do you have water that I could borrow?”

“Sure!” Peter said, prying the tin opened and got one of the four flasks full of water. He handed her one.

“Thank you, boys.” Majorie opened the flask and tilted it to her daughter, Maggie’s mouth. The little girl was thirsty and she drank greedily. After she had finished Majorie took a sip.

We sat in silence waiting for the all clear signal.

It seemed like hours before it rang. When it sounded, we all gave a sigh of relief. We were safe.

I turned to Majorie,” Would you like to come to our house, since yours was bombed out? Our Mum would approve, I’m sure.”

Majorie shifted side to side and finally said “Are you sure your Mum would be okay with me?”

“Of course she would, if it isn’t bombed out too!” Peter said.

“If your mum approves then yes, if not then no.” Majorie said.

We funneled out with the rest of the people outside.

“Our house is this way, follow us!” Peter said, beckoning to Majorie.

We arrived at our house, and to our great relief it was still standing. To our surprise Mum rushed out with Charlie, Father’s driver trailing behind her.

“Peter, Tom I was worried sick!” Mum said and wrapped us into a bear hug.

When she finally let go, I said, “Mum this is Majorie and Maggie, is it okay for her to stay with us, her house was bombed out.”

“Well as you can see Charlie is here, he was in the same shelter as me. He’s here to take us to my sister’s house right now.” Mum said.

“Now?” Peter said.

“Yes, now. I have our stuff packed already.” Mum looked at Majorie and Maggie, and smiled ” My name is Margaret Edwards, if you would like we have an extra seat if you would like to come with us.”

Majorie almost burst into tears, “Really?” she asked.

“Yes,” Mum said, “Now let’s go find you some clothes, we look about the same size.” Mum said, leading her into the house.