Looking down she was amazed to see several smaller packets. “What the devil are these?” She pushed the dogs’ noses away, because they were just as curious as she was to see what she’d been sent. Stooping down - which was now a little difficult for her with her bump - she picked up the fallen packets and spied the words: Best Quality Nylon Stockings. “My goodness!” Vera was overwhelmed. That American officer who’d taken Fred’s puppy had sent her six packets of nylon stockings! She had heard the Americans were generous – but six pairs! She felt like a queen. Making sure she managed to get them all before the dogs took them off to play with, Vera sank into her armchair with the nylons on her lap with a broad smile on her face - and yet with tears of joy too. It was such an unexpected gift - a lovely present. She felt exhausted and kicking her shoes off she closed her eyes she snoozed until Battle, Geoff’s dog, poked her thigh with his hard nose, reminding her she should get up and feed them.
