The charred smell of barbecued burgers filled the busy campsite as they all laughed around the whitened coals.
Zara smiled as Derrick, a middle aged teacher who always tried a little too hard, hopelessly played the guitar. Derrick, like everyone, was feeling the effects of a few drinks.
“It’s a shame about your mum,” Veronica said to her as she passed Zara another wine. It was only recently Veronica had joined the group with her husband but the pair gelled well into their dynamic. Next year they’d be returning as a trio, if the slight bump in her stomach was anything to go by.
Zara shrugged. Each year they came on their family holiday to the campsite, but this year her sister had been so sick that she couldn’t travel. In the end her mum had insisted Zara still accompany her stepdad, Ali, whilst she volunteered to stay home.
“I have more pity for Zara having to put up with Ali all weekend,” Chris, Veronica’s husband, laughed.
“Tell me about it,” Zara smiled and shook her head. Ali had a habit of stealing the spotlight and right then he was dancing around with a scarf tied to his head. Zara’s mum had warned her about letting him get drunk.