First impressions

Thomas Gillan: Today for the first time we have seen VADs in our hospital 25A. Miles was very keen to meet them.

I was just eager to lay my hands on the new typewriter that was to be delivered at the same time.

Well, there are three VADs. Unlike Miles, I'm not interested.

They seemed nice enough; to be honest I did not pay much attention. All those high born ladies with their good intentions. I bet they are spoiled and will be shocked by the circumstances they will be forced to face. I have no patience for them.

One of them may be considered as pretty but haughty like all those of her class. She even refused my hand. I just wanted to help her with getting out of the van. Sure, why accept the hand from a working class boy?!

On second thought, she may not have known I'm working class. Well, it doesn't change a thing. I'm not interested anyway.

Katherine Trevelyan: New beginning. At least I hope it is. I am trying very hard not to burst into tears when I think what a mess I have made of my life. I would never have thought that I will be so unable to take the control of my own life. As I see it, I'm not going to have friends here either. One of the 'girls' is pleasant but very young and extremely chatty. The other is surely to get on my nerves sooner or later with all her propriety and earnestness. I despise those types, although it may not be my place to judge others anymore.

When I think about it, I have chosen a strange path for someone who vowed to themselves to avoid men at any cost. I even shrunk from holding a hand of this young captain when all he tried to do is to help me. However, of one thing I am sure, I don't need any help from anyone. What I might need is mercy.

Thomas: I lied to Miles. I'm not proud of it.

He kept on asking about VADs. I said I didn't notice. Even the very pretty one.

Oh, well, he'll meet them himself soon enough I suppose.

Kitty: I don't know what to think about this first day. I was dismissed and reinstated, well, almost to both. I found myself on probation. I have managed to be cruel, to fight with the Matron, to watch man's death and, let's not forget, to be threatened with death myself. I must get myself in the grip and I must not show emotions anymore. I really need to detach myself from everything that surrounds me.

Thomas: Miles got what he deserved. He tried to woo the pretty one, I mean the haughty one. She was very sharp with him.

Serves him right, I suppose, for calling himself dashing.

Kitty: I believe I can be a little proud of myself as I have just successfully rejected a very clumsy attempt at flirting from one of the doctors, really obnoxious type. The other doctor behaved with more grace. It was the one I met this morning. When I think about it now, I slightly regret my behaviour towards him. At least he doesn't seem to be like his friend and I like his honest face.