School’s Out, Crews In

Friday. The schools are out. I know because the shanty was full of children by ten this morning, and the children brought parents, and the parents brought cousins, and the cousins brought opinions.

I like the holiday crowds best. Grown-ups come in and look for the hard way. Children come in and look for the obvious way, and the obvious way is often right. I stand outside the window pretending to mend a net and enjoy every minute.

The rules for the little ones are fair. Nine and up gets the most out of the island. Seven- and eight-year-olds can come along with their family, and any child of nine or under brings a grown-up who plays too. That grown-up usually ends up following the child around, which is the right way round.

Holiday sessions go quickly. Families who leave it till the morning tend to find the calendar has filled. I told one dad this at the door, and he said he would book ahead next time. They always say that. They never do. I love them anyway.

The captain has gone up the coast for a rest. Peace on the island. I have hung a stocking on the barred window, just for show.