‘From what I remember there were stalls where people sold things like special teas, ideas for better nutrition. Various therapies, like…’ she thought for a moment ‘…crystal therapies, herbal remedies, sound baths. Ooh, and yoga or Pilates classes. People offered courses at the one I attended and gave samples of products and product demonstrations for things like juicers, or whatever.’
It didn’t sound like his sort of thing, but he hid his thoughts. This wasn’t about what he preferred. His sister needed his support and he intended doing all he could to be there for her.
He wondered how much time she would need to prepare for something like this. ‘When do you think you’d want to hold the festival?’
Lettie gave his question some thought. After a while, she shrugged. ‘Well, it would need to be before the weather turns but not too soon that we aren’t able to make all the arrangements properly. So latest the end of September, I think.’
‘I’ll help out in any way I can, Letts. So will Brodie, and I’m sure your friends will do all they can to help you too.’
‘Thanks, Zac.’ She gave him a grateful smile. ‘I just hope whatever we do raises enough money to cover the cost of the roof repairs.’
‘I’m sure with all of us helping you, we’ll do it.’
He heard his name being called and looked up to see his mother hurrying into the kitchen. His parents were due to go on another trip that evening and, not wishing to delay them, Zac ran to see what she wanted from him.
He followed her into the kitchen. ‘What is it, Mum?’
‘You’re not busy, are you?’ She looked from him to Lettie.
He’d have to help Lettie bring the animals into the barns before it got dark but that was hours away. ‘No, why?’
‘I need you to do something for me.’ She held out her car keys.
Zac went to take them from her. ‘Shopping?’ he asked, hoping she would say no. He hated food shopping, unless it was for snacks and beers to watch a rugby match.
‘No. I need you to hurry to Rozel, to the campsite there.’
Zac withheld a groan. He tried to think what his mother could possibly need from a campsite on the other side of the island. ‘I don’t understand.’
‘Kathleen, one of my Book Club Girls, has a friend and her granddaughter who need collecting.’
Still none the wiser, he frowned. ‘I need to take them somewhere, I assume?’ he asked, wishing he had thought to say he was busy.
‘They’re on the island for a few months and it’s only been a week and I think it’s been a bit much for Patsy – that’s the grandmother.’
Zac thought of all the tents he had slept in: some large and fancy; others tiny, hot and uncomfortable. ‘Right, but what do you want me to do with them?’
She rested her hands on her hips and stared at him for a few seconds. ‘Sorry, didn’t I say?’
He shook his head.
‘I need you to bring them here. Lettie has been talking about eco travel.’
He had a vague idea about what that meant but thought he should ask to be certain. ‘Which is?’
She stared out of the window thoughtfully for a few seconds. ‘If I recall correctly, it’s about being aware of the impact our travels have on the environment. On local communities a traveller visits. You know, being mindful about the impact we make when we visit somewhere and how we can go about protecting those places by, among other things, supporting local businesses.’ She seemed satisfied with her answer and Zac had to admit he was impressed.
‘And Kathleen insisted the ladies would be happy to stay here and help out on the farm for a couple of months, or so. It won’t cost your sister anything apart from meals and she might enjoy the company.’
He didn’t like to remind his mother that he was also working on the farm. Trying to imagine where the two guests would stay, Zac thought of his mother’s craft room that had once been their spare room. He groaned, hoping he wasn’t going to be forced to clear out the room to make it up as a bedroom for their guests. ‘I know you and Dad are going away, but you’ll be back in a couple of weeks so I hardly dare ask, but where will they sleep?’
‘There are two perfectly good rooms up in the attic.’
He thought of the rooms she referred to and couldn’t recall the last time he had been in there. ‘Aren’t they full of boxes of junk?’
His mother’s expression darkened. ‘No. There might be a few things that can be thrown out, but most of it will be fine. Thereare still beds in there and with a little bit of effort we could make the rooms comfortable for the two women.’
‘By “we” I’m assuming you mean me and Lettie?’
