Page 46 of All You Need is Greece

We make our descent and continue past the nature reserve; Tania tells me all about how some of the dogs took ill in the summer after they had been in the water. She tells me how Judith was worried about vet bills, until a generous donation was made by someone who hooked up with one of the previous volunteers. Such incidences highlight the need for constant fundraising.

‘Now I definitely think there is something in the water around here, and I don’t mean bugs. Apart from maybe a love bug,’ I say and she laughs.

The sunshine shimmers on the lake, casting ripples of light, and a duck emerges from some long grasses that has the dogs going crazy, barking and straining at their leads. We continue our walk in a complete loop until we are back near the rescue.

‘Are you looking forward to Judith’s wedding?’ I ask Tania.

‘Oh, I am. It feels so wonderful to be a part of it, I am so happy for her. And, of course, the hen party at the bar on Friday. It’s been so long since I have had a girls’ night out, I am really looking forward to it. You are coming, aren’t you?’

‘I wouldn’t miss it.’

At home later that evening, I think about Tania’s comment and it goes round and round in my head. Maybe we could have all done things differently when we were younger. Perhaps if I wasn’t so fixated on marriage, I would still be with Marco. I plug my earbuds in and listen to a podcast before I drift off to sleep. Anything to stop those thoughts persisting in my head.

‘I hope I have done nothing to upset her.’

Panos looks concerned the next morning, after calling me over when I take a walk past the bar with several of the dogs, asking after Hannah.

‘Hi, Panos. No, I don’t think so. Although maybe you should talk to her,’ I tell him. ‘Other than via email, I mean.’

‘Okay. I will. She is at the rescue now?’

‘Yes, for a little while I think. She will be out walking some of the dogs this afternoon.’

‘Okay. I will finish clearing up here first but maybe you tell her, I ask about her?’

‘Of course I will.’

He carries on sweeping some fallen leaves from the stone floor of the terrace, a hose at his feet ready to rinse the path down later. Just then, Helena approaches.

‘Beth, do you have a minute?’

‘Yes, is everything okay?’

‘It is. I was just thinking about the hens party on Saturday.’ She beams. ‘Are you coming?’

‘Yes, I wouldn’t miss it.’

My stay here has gone so quickly, it’s hard to believe Judith and Lars’s wedding will be in just over a week’s time.

‘Great. Is Hannah coming too?’

‘I’m pretty sure she is, yes.’

‘Oh good. I am excited, because my mother is also coming. She has been out a little more since the BBQ. After my father died she locked herself away at home.’ She frowns a little when she thinks of it.

‘Oh, Helena, that’s wonderful. I’m so happy she is slowly getting back out there; it can’t have been easy for her.’

‘It was not easy for any of us. My father was only forty-eight years old. It was a sudden heart attack.’

‘I am so sorry to hear that,’ I say, my heart breaking for the family. ‘But I’m pleased your mum is getting out a little more,’ I say, and she smiles.

‘Me too. Enjoy the rest of your walk, see you soon.’ She heads back behind the bar, as the sound of a beer truck bleeping slowly makes its way up the road towards the bar.

I have six dogs this morning, three on each lead and all perfectly well behaved. A few of the volunteers are up ahead somewhere, walking two dogs each. As I head back towards the rescue, I notice Doll and Lars emerging from a clearing in the forest.

‘Fancy meeting you here,’ I say, unable to hide my surprise. ‘Are you out walking without the dogs?’ I ask as if it’s any of my business. ‘I can’t see any.’

‘No,’ says Lars, shifting a little uncomfortably on his feet.

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