The next diary entry from my Aunt isn't until 17th September and it is so short I turn to the box of letters, flicking through them until I find the one I remembered seeing. With a matching date.

17th September 1939

My darling Adaline,

If you are reading this, I'm afraid I wasn't able to say goodbye in person. I have every intention of taking you in my arms as soon as I see you and promising to return home to you. I know that would be the right thing to do but I fear that seeing you might somehow weaken my resolve.

I fear that I will take one look in your sky blue eyes and resent that which takes me from you - more than I already do.

Addie, if the worst should happen, and I know you won't want to believe it can, I need you to promise to move on and be happy. Marry some sweet boy and love again. I promise I will watch over you and anyone you love with pride.

I want to make it home to you. I promise I do. The stories I have heard though don't fill me with hope. I have included a note with this that includes all my information so you can write me. I have also included my parents details so that you can ask them if you don't hear from me.

If I could marry you before I leave Addie, know that I would. You are my world and my life. I didn't know what it was to have a heart full of love until I met you.

Until we meet again

Always yours, William

17th September 1939

Dear diary,

He has gone. He has left me to fight and protect us. The world is a darker place for it too.

My heart aches with each new entry. As Tommy and I fall further in love and grow closer with each passing day, I am seeing them torn apart and I have to persuade myself to keep reading.

To keep discovering their story I know I have to continue but to read on I have to get closer to the ending and the moment that breaks my Aunt's heart forever.

"Why don't you stop?" Tommy asks and I glance to where he is laid on the bed, head propped on one hand and watching the tears slip down my face.

"No, I...I have to know." I whisper, brushing the tears away and forcing a smile.

He stands and makes his way to where I'm sat, dropping to his knees and wrapping his arms round me.

"I know you wanted to save it but why don't we read the rest today, together. Let me be with you through this." He says.

His eyes stare intently into mine and I consider it a moment. Perhaps he is right? It was fine, fun even, reading as they fell in love. But now? When I know not much time remains?

Having him at my side when I reach that end? It's what my Aunt would have wanted.

"Ok, thank you." I whisper and then I let him lead me back to the bed and we snuggle closer as we read.

19th September 1939

Dear diary
I haven't written in you as often as I should but as the sirens rang out this evening, I grabbed you to take to the shelter with me.

It's cold and damp here. We only have three candles so we must use them sparingly. Though I hate it here it is far safer than it is out there. In the last wave we lost three houses at the end of the street.

I'm writing by candlelight. It's not nearly as romantic as it sounds like it should be.

Romantic makes me think of William and now I'm remembering he is gone again. I have tried so hard to be brave. To be as strong as he is.

As strong as Mama and Clemmie need me to be now Father is leaving as well. We had hoped he would be able to remain with us but sadly that is not the case and he is needed.

As much as I wanted this year to be memorable, it is becoming so for all the wrong reasons.

Until next time diary.

Her sadness, comes through each entry loud and clear and I have to take breaks to cuddle into Tommy and sob.

My Aunt's pain and loneliness hurts but knowing that it was there all those years and I never knew shocks me more.

By the time we are nearing the end of October we find an entry that lines up with the next letter. Tommy's hand rubs soothing circles round my back as I read it out to him.

25th October 1939

My darling Adaline,

Thank you for your last letter. I needed it more than you can know. I wish I could sugar-coat this but you know me so well I am convinced you would see through the lies. Even on paper.

It is hell here Addie. The only thing that keeps me going is your sweet face and my determination to get back to you. There are so many others here who are determined to get back to the ones they love. We shared our photos of our sweethearts yesterday and you were by far the most beautiful. I'm not just saying that either. It is true. I keep your photo in my chest pocket so you are close to my heart at all times.

Please tell me of home. What is it like? I've heard about the air raids. The destruction. Is anywhere we love damaged? Does the Astoria still stand?

It strange how much I miss that old place. The moments and memories it gave me. The you it gave me.

When I come home, we will go. We will see whatever the first movie is and I will kiss you in the back seats where no one can see us. I miss you so much my love.

Forever yours, William

It's strange only getting one side of the conversation as her letters must be lost with him. The diary helps to at least fill in some of the gaps.

Each new letter and entry I see Willam struggling and my Aunt comfort everyone else and hiding her own fears.

Her strength is awe inspiring as she begins working on a nearby farm and volunteering where she can for various causes.

Throwing herself wholeheartedly into helping people is just so Aunt Addie and it makes me miss her a little harder again.

Tommy is scanning the next letter and his expression is serious. My heart aches in my chest as I take it from him. I know somehow that this is it. The writing is unfamiliar.

Dear Adaline,

I am not sure how to tell you this but William is gone. We came out of the trenches together but at some point he fell and I couldn't find him again.

I searched everywhere and asked everyone but he is gone. We promised each other that if one of us died we would write to their sweetheart to inform them. You weren't married but you deserve to know.

That man loved you more than life itself. He was a good man. A great man even and I am so sorry that he is gone. I have enclosed a flower he found here and pressed for you. He loved sentimental nonsense like that as I'm sure you know.

I'm not sure how to sign this off other than I am so very sorry for your loss and please know I will miss him too and remember him always.

Yours, Private James Green

Tears are blurring my vision and I shakily place the letter down before turning into Tommy's waiting arms.

He holds me tight, as though the pressure of his arms around me will somehow hold me together.

I wish it could.

"I'm so sorry Azzy." Tommy whispers into my hair. I'm so thankful I have him to help me navigate this. Blessed that despite his silly, sexy, craziness, there is a heart of gold in there that is sweet and caring and pure.

Not that I would ever tell him that.

But right here? Right now? I'm grateful for him.