SEPTEMBER 1953
Alice looked up from where she was setting out a display of stationery products. She worked in the Erith branch of Woolworths, and nearby a group of girls were chatting about items they needed for the new school term.
She adored working on this counter, as it reminded her of being at school herself and stocking up on exercise books and pencils. The last time she’d done such a thing was a year ago, before her life was turned upside down. Her father had been disabled after an accident in the docks, and she’d had to leave school to contribute to the family’s income.
These days, she kept her dreams of being able to attend college to herself, although her heart ached at what might have been. It wasn’t something she could discuss with her parents, as her father would be distraught for his eldest child’s lost opportunities. Her mother had watched on silently, later thanking her and promising her that one day things would be different.
