HOLIDAY HAPPINESS

The thought of yet another camping trip was the final straw – Laura needed a real holiday…

- Ann Hodgkin

Laura was feeling belligerent. She couldn’t think exactly why. True, it had been a tough day at work. The computers had crashed, and the boss had been in a foul mood, but she wasn’t in the habit of taking these things personally. By the time she reached home, she was ready to pick a quarrel with anyone.

Rob was home before her. His job as a teacher in a nearby school didn’t involve the long commute that she had to endure. He greeted her with a big smile and a hug, and dashed into the kitchen to make her a welcome cup of coffee.

‘Oh, by the way darling, I’ve booked our holiday,’ he shouted through into the sitting room. ‘I’ve gone for the last two weeks in August as usual. Old Bill at the campsite was delighted to hear from me. He says he and Enid are looking forward to seeing us again.’

Laura could feel her blood pressure rising. They’d been together for five years and she loved him dearly, but this would be the fifth year they’d camped at the same place. It was a nice site. Lovely amenities, convenient restaurants and shops, and friendly proprietors, but she was definitely ready for a change.

‘Didn’t you think to talk to me before you booked it?’ she bristled.

Rob brought in the tea tray, a worried expression on his face.

‘I thought you’d be pleased. You’ve always said how much you’ve enjoyed our camping trips. Getting away from the rat race does you the world of good.’

He looked so crestfallen, she nearly relented, but her stroppy mood soon resurfaced. How dare he arrange it without even asking.