Another child had found it hilarious to torment one of our goats by pulling its tail until the offended animal turned its horns on the child and butted it a safe distance away.
Given the surrounding mayhem, I didn’t notice the battered Ford Escort pull up, and only became aware of my family’s arrival due to the screams from Bertie as he raced across the driveway. I chased after him, flinging myself at Cass as soon as she stepped out of the car.
‘Wow, that’s a greeting and a half.’
‘I can’t believe you came.’
‘I said we would.’
‘I know, but you didn’t sound sure you’d be able to get the kids out of school early.’
‘If anyone asks, they’re at the dentist. I brought someone else along too.’ Cass disentangled herself from my arms and opened the passenger side door. I looked past her and burst into tears at the sight of my dad smiling through the window.
‘Hola, cariño.’
‘Hola, Papa.’
‘Give me a hand with the wheelchair, would you?’ asked Cass, wrestling the cumbersome contraption out of the boot. Between us, we got Dad out of the car and into his much-resented chair.
‘U… u… I… had to… s… s… see where….’
‘Dad wanted to see where you’re living,’ said Cass, squeezing her father’s hand. ‘And he’s been desperate to see Bertie.’
Bertie grinned and climbed onto his grandpa’s lap. He wrapped his arms around his namesake’s neck and squeezed until Dad choked.
‘I think Bertie’s missed you too, Dad.’
‘Gramps, can I push your wheelchair?’
‘I’d… be… o… honoured.’
‘Great. I’m going to show you everything. Except our bedroom ’cause that’s upstairs, but I’ll show you everything else. There are tons of animals here and Harry lets me help look after them. The pigs are my favourite, but the goats are funny, and the lambs are really cute, so I guess I have lots of favourites. Hey Gramps, youcould come and see the lake too. Seb can put you on the back of his quad bike.’
Before I could intervene in Bertie’s ambitious plans, he’d wheeled Dad off around the side of the farmhouse, ready to begin his guided tour. Jake and Emmy ran after him. If they minded being passed over in favour of Dad, they weren’t showing it.
‘I’m worried I’ll never get them home,’ said Cass. ‘Have you got time to show me around, or are you on duty?’
I looked at my watch. It was four o’clock, and I’d been watching other people’s children like a hawk since they arrived at one. ‘I think I’ve earned a break. How about I show you around the farmhouse first, then take you down to the lake?’
‘Lead the way.’ Cass linked arms with me, apologising that Jasper hadn’t been able to get out of his shift.
‘We’re not going anywhere anytime soon, so he’ll have plenty of time to come for a visit.’
The farmhouse was full of bodies, adults leaning against worktops drinking glasses of cider, children grabbing handfuls of cake from the various tins laid out in the dining room. I kept my tour of the farmhouse short and sweet, wanting my sister to myself rather than sharing her with half the village.
‘Will the kids be OK if we explore the grounds?’
‘Yes, they’ll be fine. Bertie knows his way around and everyone from Lowen Farm will keep an eye on him.’
‘I think I’m more worried about Dad. God knows what they’re doing with him.’
‘Good point. How about I prise Dad away from Bertie and we take him down to the lake? I was going to suggest we walk, but I’m sure Harry would let me borrow the Land Rover to drive him down there.’
‘OK, you go check with Harry, I’ll find Dad.’
Ten minutes later, with the help of Stephan, we had Dad in the Land Rover, his wheelchair stowed in the back and were heading down the track to the woods. I threw regular glances at Dad to check he was all right, but each time he had his eyes trained on the scenery around him, a contented smile on his face.
‘It’s lovely, isn’t it?’
