Page 13 of Atticus Arnott's Great Adventure
‘You might be surprised. A vintage vehicle like that might be a collectable,’ Arthur said, his eyes glowing. ‘Well, I never… Who would have thought it?’
The following morning, Atticus, as usual, woke early and crept out of the cottage as dawn rose and his family slept. The sun began its gentle ascent, and as birdsong filled the air, the rolling hills emerged from the darkness. Atticus, crook in hand, made his way to his favourite spot while Ness ran ahead, casting dancing shadows on the dew-kissed grass.
Atticus settled himself on the long wall. This was the best part of his day and from his viewpoint, he could watch the familiar world below. He remembered the days when his sheep, like fluffy clouds, moved in unison over the fells, and he could almost hear their gentle bleat and contented munching as they grazed.
In his mind, he saw Clara, her hair like a golden red ribbon fluttering in the breeze as she wound her way along the path with a basket in her hand. So often, she would join him for a picnic while enjoying the happy rhythm of their life in the countryside.
‘Hey, Clara,’ Atticus suddenly called out. ‘I’ve found Winnie! What do you think?’
Slowly, her ethereal vision shimmered, and she turned to face him. ‘I think it’s time you made that trip to Spain…’And then, her ghostly image was gone, fading like a distant puff of cloud.
The countryside was quiet, save for the beating of Atticus’s heart. Ness placed her head on his knee, and with a thoughtful expression, he began tostroke the old dog.
Atticus had fallen asleep. His eyes were closed and his head drooped when the sound of an engine suddenly disturbed the peace.
‘Wake up, old lass,’ Atticus said, gently prodding a drowsy Ness with the toe of his sturdy boot. He stared down at the farm and squinted.
The Little Grey Fergie was chugging along the yard, smoke puffing from her chimney. Attached to the bar behind the tractor, Winnie was being towed. When it came to a stop, Atticus saw Jake leap from the driver’s seat.
‘What on earth!’ Atticus called out.
Jake released the vehicle, and Atticus could see that his grandson, dressed in overalls, had moved the tractor away and wheeled a workbox into the yard.
‘Jake’s got Winnie out!’ Atticus crossly said to Ness.
Cursing, he moved swiftly down the path. As the pair got closer, Atticus saw Mary. With Declan in her arms and Finn bouncing a ball alongside, she stood beside the camper, staring towards the fells.
‘Morning, Dad,’ she called out. ‘It’s a perfect day to do something useful.’
Atticus reached the yard and was about to forbid Jake from going under the bonnet when a jet of water from a hose almost knocked him back. ‘Look out!’ Atticus yelled.
‘I thought I’d clean her up before we start work on the engine,’ Jake called out. Taking a sponge from a bucket of soapy water, he handed the hose to Finn and began to wash the camper. ‘Hold it steady while I ease layers of muck off her bodywork,’ Jakeinstructed his cousin. Taking great care, he lathered the sponge and began to rub the paintwork in gentle circular movements.
‘I didn’t give him permission to do this.’ Atticus turned to Mary, frustration in his voice. ‘A vintage vehicle needs to be carefully handled.’
‘Well, someone had to make a start,’ Mary said as Declan wriggled free from her arms. ‘You’ve let it sit in the barn for decades.’
‘Mummy, what is it?’ Declan asked. His little face was puzzled as he gripped his teddy and watched Finn and Jake move around with the bucket and hose.
‘It’s Grandad’s special van,’ Mary replied. ‘A little house on wheels.’
‘Has it got a bed?’
‘Yes, and a kitchen.’
Declan moved over to Atticus. ‘Grandad, what’s your house called?’
Atticus felt little fingers reach out and curl themselves into his palm. Declan’s soft skin was warm against the rough calluses on his hand, and for a moment, Atticus felt a stab in his chest as the little boy, still gripping his teddy, cuddled against his legs. His heart began to melt, and a stirring emotion took Atticus by surprise. ‘We used to call her Winnie,’ he said.
For a moment, the years dissolved, and a young Mungo was beside him.
Atticus closed his eyes and heard happy chatter as Clara and little Mary climbed into the camper. ‘We’re all going on a summer holiday…’ they’d sang.
What fun they’d had on their outings!
‘Are you alright, Dad?’ Mary asked, touching his arm. ‘Dad?’ she repeated. ‘You’re miles away.’
‘I’m fine.’ Atticus held onto Declan and watched years of grime dissolve as Finn and Jake worked methodically. A smile tugged at him as the yellow paintwork slowly emerged.
