8th January 1940

Rationing started today.  And I’ve been cursed by a witch.   I was at my ticket window this morning after the rush when I looked up and there was Mrs Leon staring in at me.  She started pointing and jabbering on at me, saying that it was because of me that Gordon was in hospital, that he’d tried to kill himself because I wouldn’t have him, that I thought I was too good for him.  She told me that I’d better go and visit him in the hospital and apologise and make it up to him.  I was just staying that I would do no such thing and that it was nothing to do with me when Mr Hardy came out and asked her what she thought she was doing, bothering his staff like that.  He tried his best to get rid of her and in the end she turned to go – and then suddenly turned round and yelled out this curse at me.  She said that any man who ever tries to get close to me will die.  That I will die unloved and alone.  Then she left.  Mr Hardy had a bit of a chuckle and told me not to take any notice of the mad old bat.  But I remember what Mrs F said about her being a witch.  I’ve not seen her yet to ask her what she thinks.  Joan’s like Mr Hardy in saying that she’s just a mad old woman and that I should forget it.  I feel quite upset.  I suppose that’s what she really wanted.  Well, that’s what she’s got.