Mammy knelt down in front of me and gathered me into her arms. ‘Hush now, my darling girl,’ she said, wiping away my tears. ‘This will always be your home and your family will always be here, waiting for your return. You are not alone, you will never be alone and if you need me and there is no boat available, I’ll swim to England and carry you home with your coat between me teeth.’ I burst out laughing, imagining
