The Light Between Oceans

The one-year anniversary of Lucy's arrival approaches and Tom is reminded of his guilt, but Isabel is happier than ever. They discuss how Lucy has brought meaning to their lives. When Isabel brings up the war, however, Tom goes cold. He doesn't want to talk about it. Isabel emphasizes that she only wants to express her gratitude to him, acknowledging that his choice to support her and to keep Lucy is a departure from his sense of right and wrong. Tom feels an urge to escape the choices he has made and to run away. He hides this panic from Isabel and quietly makes an exit. 

Tom and Isabel have their first shore leave with Lucy. At first, Isabel is nervous about introducing Lucy to others but when she sees her mother Violet's joy upon meeting her granddaughter, Isabel’s apprehension evaporates.

Violet understands that the pain of losing a child never leaves a woman. Both of her sons, Hugh and Alfie, were killed in the war just three days apart. Isabel feels it is her responsibility never to add to her parents’ pain after that loss. Her parents’ love for Lucy, in Isabel’s mind, confirms that they had done the right thing by keeping the baby.