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‘Then I want to go home. I don’t like it here. I want to play on the playground and the trampolines and go in the swimming pool.’
‘Ah, but this is a different kind of holiday. This is one for outdoor adventures!’
‘I don’t want adventures. I want trampolines. I want my mummy!’ and his voice rose to a theatrical howl.
His dad exhaled sharply. ‘I’m sorry, Oliver —’ he began, with a harassed tone to his voice, but Harry wasn’t going to let him finish.
‘I’ve got this!’ He held up his hand, with all the gravitas of his head teacher at assembly time. ‘Now, there’s no need to get upset, Oliver. It’s cool here. There’s a den by the river, I’ll show you if you like.’
The adults watched him in amazement as Oliver stopped crying and listened.
‘And there’s like this stone thing at Mam’s cottage you can drink out of; you can just like, stick your whole head in it and have a drink. And there’s this great climbing tree. I haven’t fallen out of it yet. And maybe you can read the Titty book with me and mum.’
‘The Titty book?’ Matt turned to her, bemused.
‘It’s not what you think! Swallows and Amazons? The girl in it is called Titty?’
‘Oh, I see.’
‘I’d like to see the den,’ Oliver said.
Amy was watching him carefully. Despite all his wailing, there were no tears.
‘And we can put our heads in the water on the way!’ said Harry.
‘Yes. Okay. Let’s put our heads in the water!’ Oliver agreed. ‘Let’s all put our heads in the water.’
