Zenya was now leading the way alongside Priya, as the path started to level down slightly and get narrower. ‘Everyone OK?’ she shouted, to be met by a united, ‘YES!’
Rita couldn’t help noticing how protective Cass was, slipping his hand out at the steeper, uneven stretches of the path, ready to steady her or anyone else if they needed it. No motive now, she thought, other than being a genuinely well-brought-up lad. Odette strode ahead in proper walking boots, confidence in every step, while Davie lagged slightly behind, sucking in his fear at some of the sheer drops along the cliffside.
The path opened out suddenly, and a breathtaking clearing came into view. The cliffs soared beside them, raw and golden in the sunlight, plunging into the turquoise sea far below. Waves smashed against the rocks with a rhythmic, hypnotic roar, while bright yellow gorse splashed the landscape with unexpected colour, scenting the air with its sharp, sweet tang.
‘Let’s sit for a second,’ Zenya instructed. ‘Have a look in those Easter baskets; there’s some right good treats in there.’ On top of the mini eggs, Rita had added some home-made shortbread, the wildlife book, a cinnamon bun from Betty’s and chocolate bunnies. Zenya had also added flasks of coffee. She looked to Rita and smiled. ‘You OK?’
‘I’m fine. Glad of a little rest, you know.’
Zenya gave a little wink. Davie then shrieked, ‘Oh yeah, Lindt bunnies, now you’re talking.’
Cass walked over as near to the edge of the cliff as he dared, came back to sit with the group, and muttered under his breath,‘Imagine just… jumping off here. He must have been so unwellandbrave, thinking there was no other way out.’
‘Yes,’ Rita agreed softly. ‘You did what you could, Cass.’
Davie suddenly looked serious. ‘I’m so sorry for your loss, mate. Nobody special has carked it my end yet, but I do get a feeling of emptiness, when those fuckers start trolling me. I really do. It’s scary.’ Before Rita could respond, Davie hiccupped and sniffled, and then all of a sudden let out a high-pitched sob. ‘Fuck them, fuck them all,’ he blurted, tears streaming down his cheeks. ‘Faceless keyboard warriors, you don’t even know me.’ And then he hiccupped again, and again, each word setting off another fit of uncontrollable crying.
The group moved in to console him, arms around shoulders, gentle pats on backs, soft murmurs of reassurance. And yet, despite the emotion, it was impossible not to smile at the utter theatricality of it all.
Rita suddenly felt a warmth inside. Davie Travers was messy, loud, beautiful and entirely human. And if this was how the Seahaven Bay Retreat could help people, by giving them space to be themselves, away from screens and schedules, surrounded by the raw beauty of nature, breathing in the sea air, just being, while discovering an unexpected camaraderie with a group of strangers they would probably never meet in the real world, then she was all in.
With tears wiped and snacks eaten, they rounded the final bend. Below them the rugged cliffs fell away to a sheltered cove. And there they were… seals, sleek and glistening, sunning themselves on a flat rock at the water’s edge. Some lifted their heads lazily, sniffing the sea breeze, while others flopped back with a gentle splash, sliding into the turquoise water. A fewbobbed nearby, noses breaking the surface, watching the world with quiet, curious eyes.
‘See them?’ Rita whispered. ‘Those are grey seals, common along the Cornish and Devon coasts. They can grow quite big, up to three metres. Shame we are too early in the year for pups. They are adorable. Born with silvery fur which darkens as they age.’
The guests looked down in awe. Even Priya, usually quiet, let out a small whistle of admiration. Rita smiled at the sight, a small thrill of pride in showing them a secret piece of Seahaven Bay.
‘They’re amazing, aren’t they? And yes, Davie, of course take a photo if you want to.’
He quickly reached for his phone. ‘I do get it, though.’ He looked to Rita. ‘I can enjoy this moment, without having to take one. It will be forever etched on my memory.’
‘Yes, yes, it will.’ Rita squeezed his shoulder, lovingly. ‘But I will allow photos of the seals. My Archie used to donate to the Seal Research Trust. They encourage everyone to send in their seal sightings – even just one seal in the sea or on land – with a date and location from anywhere around the south-west.’
‘I’m all up for that.’ Davie angled his phone again.
‘And I can write about them, so that it’s etched on a hell of a lot of people’s memories.’ Rita didn’t think she’d ever seen Odette smile so openly.
‘Oh, if you’re writing a book, can I be in it?’ Davie laughed.
‘Maybe. Although I usually kill off the people I put in who annoy me.’
Davie was open-mouthed in shock. Odette left a comically timed break. ‘But you’re not one of those, so you’re all right.’
Those in earshot laughed.
‘Can you call me something hot, like Montague or Raven?’ Davie added.
Odette laughed. ‘I should imagine there will be a bit of all your characters merged in there somewhere.’
‘Is that how you work, then?’ Priya asked. ‘I thought the character development in your trilogy was sublime.’
Rita saw the change in Odette again. ‘Aw. Thanks so much.’
Priya noticed too. ‘You’re a brilliant writer, Odette. And I, for one, will read any new stuff you put out without question.’
Odette coughed to hide her emotion. ‘I appreciate that.’
‘The Wild Remedybook, the one in your basket is a lovely read too,’ Rita added. ‘The May chapter with the brilliant photo of bluebells is a tonic all on its own.’
