Chapter 48

David walked with a spring in his step. The ringing at St. Mary’s tower and the tea had gone well. More importantly, he was now aware that he was going to be busy over the next few months and, as a result, would be paid generously. The advance he had received would more than compensate for any hardship or risk that he might face over the coming weeks.

The skip in his walk soon brought him to the junction of Southsea Common and the road back to his hall of residence. With an upswing in his mood he continued onto the tarmacadam path across Southsea Common that led directly to the seafront.

Children were playing football on the grass and there were a couple of families finishing off their lunchtime picnics. The planning and organisation for these family outings was evident. The mothers and fathers had been organised with all the necessary equipment, comprising rugs and hampers with an abundance of plastic cutlery and crockery. Many of the children appeared to be running wild with others attempting to fly kites.

One of the mothers was determined to read her Heat magazine and soak up the latest gossip of the Hollywood stars. Her youngest child was pulling at the edges of the magazine with his pudgy fingers in order to seek her attention. His pulling motion was becoming more and more desperate as she continued to be engrossed by the latest shenanigans of the many young famous people in her magazine. The stars were being featured in fabulous weddings, on their beach holidays, at play on the polo field and sipping champagne whilst at the races. There were some glorious settings and it took her a couple of seconds before she realised that her youngest son had just stepped in the leftover pudding and, in the same motion, ripped the back pages of her magazine.

Nearing the seafront, David gazed across at the imposing war memorial. It always reminded him of the history of the city and of the futility of war, with the high loss of life that resulted from every conflict. He was extremely grateful for his freedom and for not being tied to a particular regime or culture. He wanted to feel the benefits of capitalism and a free society, as to date he had not been able to afford any of life’s luxuries.

Brought up in the various children’s homes, there had been an abundance of clothing but nothing had been new. Toys had been donated, but often they were partly damaged or a few years old.

Having had his advance, it was the first time that he felt comfortable and free. He was ready to go on a shopping spree, to choose an item that he could now afford.

Strolling onto South Parade Pier, past the hustle and bustle of the brightly coloured amusement stalls and the haunted house blaring out its spooky music, David felt the sea air on his face and breathed in the slight smell of salt.

Squinting into the brightness of the far reaching horizon before turning to focus on the outline of the Isle of Wight, David saw the red flanks of the freighter. The freighter gave him goosebumps. Her name had been indistinguishable but the description that he had been passed matched the silhouette lying in the Solent. He stood and gazed at the conveyor of his future small fortune. She was going to allow him to live well and would be passing through the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour within the hour.