Page 69 of Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm

This was an added bonus that Flora hadn’t been expecting. The weekend, despite the weather, had been so successful that a few people had already rebooked for later on in the summer.

‘I can’t believe it,’ said Flora at lunchtime.

‘It gets better,’ said Nico, checking his phone with wide eyes. ‘Have you seen this?’

She took his phone and stared at the headline on theCranbridge Timeswebsite.

‘When did Tom come and visit?’ she asked, looking at the editorial piece by Tom Addison, the Editor.

‘Yesterday morning,’ said Grams. ‘I think you were at the cash and carry getting the barbeque bits. He’d bumped into Eddie at the community hub and Eddie had told him all about the campsite and what you were doing for the local families that needed a break this weekend. Tom thought it was a smashing idea and so came to take a few photos and have a little chat.’

‘Well, his little chat has gone viral,’ said Nico, now checking on his laptop. ‘Look at all these emails we’ve had enquiring about future bookings.’

Flora went to look over his shoulder and could see dozens of unread emails in the Inbox. ‘I don’t believe it,’ she said.

‘I do,’ said Grams, with a firm nod. ‘We’ve got a success on our hands!’

‘We have!’ Flora was delighted, stepping forward to give her grandmother a hug.

Nico looked at them both. ‘I think we might just make a profit this summer, if things carry on like this.’

Flora held up her fingers which were crossed.

But in a way, some things were even more important than profits, she thought. She had enjoyed interacting with the families that had camped with them. Helping them enjoy their holiday whatever the weather, watching them relax away from the normal nine-to-five grind. Most had made friends and learnt something new, either about swimming ponds, farms, steam locomotives and even how to make strawberry jam.

Grams had made them all a pot of jam to say thank you when they all began to leave on Monday afternoon.

‘This is so lovely,’ said one woman, giving Flora a spontaneous hug. ‘We’ve had the best time. Can’t believe the weather was so awful, but it was one of the best holidays we’ve ever had!’

‘I’m so glad,’ Flora told her.

It was a familiar story with each couple and family as they left, all promising to leave glowing reviews too, which would also help the business.

But some things were even better than positive feedback, reviews and profits, she thought, as she helped Tyson’s mum carry a large bag back to her car. Some things could only be measured by the length of someone’s neck as the weight of their worries were temporarily left behind.

‘This has been amazing,’ said Tyson’s mum, placing the bag in the car boot. ‘An absolute tonic, to be honest. We all needed this.’

Flora and Nico looked over at the boys, who were smiling and saying goodbye to another family.

‘I’m so glad you came,’ said Nico. He gave Flora a quick look before adding, ‘And, if you wanted, we’d like to do a similar scheme for local families at the end of summer before the schools go back.’

‘You would?’ She looked amazed and Flora knew just how she felt. They hadn’t discussed this between them, but she instantly knew in her heart that Nico was right.

‘We were thinking that from the Friday to the bank holiday Monday would be a great time for everyone to come and have a break. Maybe the sun will come out again too!’ Nico laughed.

‘Oh, that’s wonderful,’ said Tyson’s mum, looking a little teary. ‘I’m so grateful to you both and for all you’ve done for Tyson as well. He’s so much happier these days.’

‘Our pleasure,’ Flora told her.

‘Actually, he’s been a huge help around her, helping fix my car, amongst other things,’ added Nico.

Tyson’s mum looked proud. ‘I’m sure he’s an engineer in the making.’

‘I don’t doubt it,’ replied Nico. ‘He’s always welcome here.’

After another round of hugs, Flora was left standing with Nico alone in the courtyard as they drove off.

He gave her a sheepish grin. ‘Sorry,’ he told her. ‘I should have checked with you first about repeating the local families thing.’