The War I Finally Won

Maggie accompanies Ada on her next fire-watching shift and notices Ada’s fear. Ada admits that she has nightmares about when her mother locked her into a tiny cupboard and about the bombing raid where she and Jamie were trapped by a fallen wall in London. Ada is terrified that something bad will happen to her loved ones and feels she must keep watch to keep them safe. Maggie tries to reason with her, explaining that it is not Ada’s job to keep everyone safe, but Ada is not convinced.

Ada and Maggie wake up at dawn to the sound of Jonathan throwing pebbles against their bedroom window. He was able to make a very quick visit just for the morning, and he wants to take the girls riding. Ruth is also awake, and Ada convinces Maggie to let Ruth come with them. Jonathan agrees that Ruth should be allowed to ride publicly and decides to write to his mother about the issue. Jonathan and his friend Stan transport the girls to the stables on their motorbikes.

Jonathan urges Ada to ride his horse Oban. Ada is scared but excited about riding the bigger horses. Soon after they start riding, Oban is spooked by a grouse bursting out of a hedge and breaks into a run.