John laughed. "You've clearly never been on the end of one of mums famous flying rolling pins. Jeez she caught me a few times by the time I was your age. Including some that were meant for Ruth or Joe when I took the blame to protect them"

He thought for a moment. "I'm being sent to Yorkshire to train soldiers but who knows where the army might send me next but this will be my last stint. I'm not signing up again for reenlistment. I've done my time kate. I've got the medals and scars to prove it. It's time for me to think to the future. Maybe do one more tour and then put some money aside and start my own business back here in whitby"

He smiled "it was always good to recieve letters from you, ruth and mom. It always amazed me how your writing and spelling always improved with every letter" he nodded "well I understand how you feel little one. I've felt the same way especially after being shot. Do I still want to be a soldier. I joined up to escape this place and build a better me. Now I'm thinking I should return. I don't know what the family would say. Just like you"