I took my sister-in-law and her little boy on holiday with us. I regretted it a thousand times over.
My husband and I set off for a seaside holiday. Weve been caravanning to the coast with friends for some years now, turning up in our cars, brimming with anticipation. Were naturals at it. We scour the shoreline for the right stretch, set up our tents and make ourselves at home. By day, we splash about in the foamy sea and bask on the pebbles. When night falls, we strum guitars around a blazing fire, singing odd songs, clutching a glass of dry English wine as the wind rattles the tent flaps. This year, my sister-in-law, Harriet, decided to tag along, bringing her toddler, all of two and a half years old. We entertained the ideashould we or shouldnt we bring them? In the end, we were persuaded.
Looking back, it wasnt the little boy who troubled us. No, not at allit was Harriet. The troubles began even before we felt the salty air. Harriet pleaded for us to pull over every hour. She was utterly knackered and needed to stretch her legs, so instead of turning up with the sun, we arrived late; our mates had already strewn themselves on the shingle and had time for an early dip.
At last, we made it. And then part two began. Harriet looked about with storm clouds in her eyes:
Im not staying here!
Why not? We did tell you wed be camping!
I thought we were just sorting accommodation once here, not actually sleeping rough. I thought Id have a roomperhaps at a B&B, not a tent in a field.
Then why did you bring a sleeping bag and tent with you? grumbled my husband.
I thought Id just blend in.
In the end, we had to hire her a room in some ramshackle guesthouse nearby. That meant my husband had to drive her to and fro every morning and evening, fetch her for breakfast, then take her back come dusk. And truth be told, it didnt stop there. He had to traipse after her for her cappuccino in the village café, meander round quirky markets, and mind the boy while she took a breather from her hard slog.
Not that we all didnt look after the little chapthough, really, he was the least fuss of us all. Cheerful, obedient, running about, splashing in the waves, munching on jam sandwiches, and snoozing soundly in the tent after lunch. So unlike his mother.
Next summer, theres no questionHarriet isnt coming. But if his parents want, well gladly bring the little one. Hes a proper camper at heart.
