Page 13 of All You Need is Greece

‘Living your best life now, aren’t you, boy?’ I stroke Freddie’s nose and he brays contentedly. Judith had told me all about another old donkey called Eric, and how he blows hot and cold, which has proved to be true. Today he’s in his stall ignoring everyone. But tomorrow, who knows?

‘Right, that’s the donkeys sorted,’ I say, joining the others, having mucked out, filled the feeders with fresh hay, and made sure there is plenty of water. Doll and Michael have fed the dogs and are hosing down the paths outside the cages.

‘Gorgeous day, isn’t it?’ Doll is wearing shorts and a T-shirt, her long, toned legs testament to her years as a dancer.

‘Fantastic,’ says Michael, turning his face to the sun. ‘I might actually get a real tan out here. This spray tan will wear off soon enough,’ he tells us, confirming my suspicions. ‘We get them done when we have a dance tour,’ he explains.

‘Will you ever retire?’ I ask as we head towards the kitchen for a drink.

‘I don’t like to think about it,’ says Doll. ‘Dancing is all I’ve ever known.’

‘Much as I love the dancing too, I can’t wait,’ says Michael. ‘It’s getting harder to drag myself out of bed in the winter. I wouldn’t mind retiring to the sun. I could sit in it all day.’

‘As if. You would be bored stiff after a week.’ She rolls her eyes at her husband and laughs.

‘I’m not sure I would, my love. Imagine basking in the sunshine, reading and drinking wine, or taking long beach walks. And if we did get bored, we could teach dance classes somewhere.’

‘We?’ She laughs.

‘I couldn’t do it without you, you know that. We’re like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.’

Hannah asks who they are and Doll says she feels ancient, so I don’t like to say that I don’t know who they are either. I think I may have vaguely heard about them starring in some old movies.

‘Well, I like the sound of the sunshine and wine bit,’ says Doll, carrying two empty food sacks to a large bin. ‘I quite fancy Spain, I’ve always been partial to some tapas. Maybe somewhere along the Alicante coast. I’m not so sure about the dance school bit, though. When I retire, I want to do just that,’ she says firmly.

‘Of course. But surely Portugal, my love?’ says Michael. ‘We already have friends there, remember.’

‘Whatever. Anyway, we’re not ready for the knacker’s yard just yet, are we?’ She smiles. ‘So let’s not have this conversation right now.’

Lars appears just then, and tells us he is off to a large supermarket several miles away. ‘Would anyone like anything bringing back?’

‘I wouldn’t mind going,’ Hannah whispers in my ear. ‘I need a couple of pens and a notebook. Will you come too?’

‘I thought you were being brave and getting out of that comfort zone?’ I say, but then feel a bit mean when she goes a little quiet.

‘Of course I will come. I could probably do with a new mascara,’ I tell her and turn to ask Lars if we can join him. He says he will wait outside in the car, whilst we nip inside for our bags.

We drive down the windy mountain road, enjoying the scenery, and I smile at the mountain goats, some standing high on craggy rocks, one or two meandering down the roads. Turning left, we drive along a road lined with olive trees, and dotted with buildings that include rustic farmhouses, and a white building with a green roof that Lars informs us is an olive oil factory. There isn’t a cloud in the sky and it’s a world away from everything back home.

‘I see you like your books.’ Lars turns to Hannah in the back seat, who is staring out of the window, an open book on her lap.

‘Yes, I do. I was hoping there might be one or two books in the supermarket actually,’ she tells him. ‘Although they will probably all be in Greek.’

‘You do see the occasional English book, although it’s mainly in the larger, touristy towns. I think Judith has some books, but perhaps they are not the kind someone of your age might be interested in,’ Lars tells her.

‘Thanks. I pretty much read anything so I’m sure I can find something.’

As we approach the coast road, I eye the sparkling water that looks so inviting on a day like this.

‘Hey, Hannah, look at that sea. I could dive right in, especially in this nice weather. I wish I’d brought my swimming costume now. My new mascara can wait,’ I say, staring out of the window at a speedboat in the distance skimming across the water.

‘It does look like a nice quiet beach. Perhaps we could come here one day?’ suggests Hannah.

‘Sure, why not?’ I say, thinking it might be nice for a walk one evening, especially if the current warm weather continues.

We pull up outside a large supermarket that is bright and airy inside and sells just about anything you could possibly need, alongside the usual Greek souvenirs. I buy a bottle of ouzo and some plastic shot glasses, just in case anyone fancies staying up and chatting one evening. I also buy a pink sarong, as I’d forgotten to bring one, and some giant bags of crisps. Judith feeds us well, but I’m a bit of a night-time muncher, a habit I’m trying hard to break.

Hannah has bought a notebook, pen and a Greek novel that, judging by its cover, is a romance. Armed with our goodies, we make our way back to the rescue. Hannah has also bought a huge bag of assorted toffees that she passes around as we drive.

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