Chapter 24
Chapter 24 Emma hurried down the hallway to her mother’s room, still in her dressing gown. She knocked hard on Elsie’s door as she went in. ‘Mama, Mama. Japan has surrendered.’ Emma turned on the dressing table wireless and helped Mum to sit up in bed. Elsie came in. ‘Whatever’s wrong?’ ‘Japan has surrendered. Jacky will be coming home. Listen. They’re about to replay the Prime Minister’s speech.’ A lively military march sounded from the speaker, and then came Ben Chifley’s voice. Fellow citizens, the war is over. Emma and Elsie joined hands and danced around the room. Even Mum managed a fine cheer. The news wasn’t unexpected. Newspapers had been filled lately with articles about Allied success. Reports of American atom bombs flattening Hiroshima and Nagasaki had increased speculation
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