Page 16 - The Spirit of Christmas 1940

CHAPTER THREE

THE END OF ANOTHER DAY

The cold, dark winter evening once again was upon Church
Street. It was the time that all Londoners dreaded. Night attacks
from the Luftwaffe were a regular occurance but the past few
weeks, the raids had been coming earlier and earlier. As soon as
the daylight had faded, the South East of England became tense.

The Station was still fairly busy with the evening trains returning
passengers in and out of the city although many of the traders
were closing for the day. Best to get out of the open before the
nightly raids begin. Although, the underground station provided
protection for people, the traders also needed to protect their trade
stands as best as possible. After all, after the bombs, life had to go
on.

Jimmy had just packed away his news stand and wandered
over to the flower stall. Rose, too was just packing up for the
day. She tended to stay open as long as possible to try to catch the
commuters on their way home who maybe tempted to buy a bunch
for their wives and girlfriends. But business had been slowing
down lately, especially with the earlier bombing runs.

“Are you ready for home, Rosie? I’ll walk you back, make sure
you get back safe.”

Rosie smiled at Jimmy’s concern for her. “I will be in a few
minutes Jimmy, I just need to get the last of the flowers in, cover