‘Aye, would you like to go, Ronan?’ I said.
‘Ay-ee.’
‘OK, let’s go then – might as well, it’s on our doorstep after all.’
We sipped our drinks.
‘Just lovely,’ said Mrs McCoy in a whisper, as if it was an ‘amen’ to a prayer she’d just said in her head. ‘Will we go on?’
The tea break combined with the calm of the forest gave way to easy conversation for the rest of our walk. When I saw a bright gap up ahead, I knew we were reaching the end of the path and would have to emerge out into the real world again. I slowed the pace to hold on to the feeling of peace for as long as I could. But it was already being broken by the sound of screaming children and car engines and people chattering getting louder as we neared.
When we stepped into the light once more, the lawn that had been practically empty had nearly every picnic table occupied, the playground was packed with children and the car park looked full, a couple of large coaches had parked up too. Ronan started to get restless in his seat when he saw the crowds.
‘My goodness, what time is it?’ said Mrs McCoy.
‘It’s after one,’ said Mr McCoy, looking at his watch.
It didn’t seem like we’d been inside the forest for nearly three hours.
‘I was going to suggest us having our lunch at one of the picnic tables but it’s far too busy,’ said Mrs McCoy.
They were both getting anxious. Mr McCoy came round to check on Ronan who was starting to make a moaning noise.
‘You alright, son?’
Ronan started twisting around in his seat.
‘Will we head back towards the car park?’ I said.
We walked quickly across the path, tables of families on either side. I had to stop suddenly when two children ran in front of Ronan and he made a high-pitched yelp that caused them to stop and stare. One pulled the other and they ran off.
‘It’s alright, Ronan,’ I said.
Even though I could only see the back of his head I knew the anxiety was building in him; there was too much activity happening all around us, so I quickened up.
‘Toy-luh,’ he said.
‘What’s that, Ronan?’
‘He needs the toilet,’ said Mr McCoy. ‘Here, Brendan, I’ll take him.’
Mr McCoy swapped with me and pushed Ronan off at a fast pace towards the café as Mrs McCoy and me headed towards Matty, sitting in the front seat with the window down.
‘Filled up fast, didn’t it!’ he said. ‘Coachload of young’unsfrom some youth club or somethin’. How’d the fresh air treat ya? Ya musta worked up a decent appetite, is that where the fellas are away to? Get some grub?’
‘No, they’re using the facilities,’ said Mrs McCoy, looking very concerned and stressed. ‘I’ve got all our food in the cool box but there’s nowhere quiet we can sit to eat it.’
She was twisting her hands and looking around.
‘It’s just too busy, isn’t it?’ she said to no one in particular. ‘Maybe we’ll eat in the car, is that alright, Matty?’
‘A’course, I’m not the one that has to clean it,’ said Matty, winking at me.
‘Oh sorry, Brendan, I forgot, I should be asking you.’
‘Matty’s only joking, Mrs McCoy, sandwich crumbs will be a dream compared to what I’ve had to clean before. I could tell you stories but I won’t.’
‘Aye, if this motor could talk,’ said Matty.
