A Caravan of Rainbows

By Rio Harps

Lost Cheryl stays at a caravan site on the way to visit her parents. An overfamiliar landlady invites her to the farmhouse for supper.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rio Harps
• Release date: Jan 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215988282

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The Magic Diet

By Rio Harps

                Published by Rio Harps at Smashwords

                            Copyright © 2023 Rio Harps  

Smashwords Edition. License Notes

This eBook is licenced for your enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it to your favourite eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.       Text Box

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A caravan of Rainbows and other stories

By Rio Harps

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A caravan of Rainbows and other stories

By Rio Harps

A Caravan of rainbows

By the time Cheryl arrived at the caravan park, a sense of fatigue had washed over her. Today, her mind didn’t seem to be working as well as it usually did. She had driven around in a foggy haze for what had seemed like days but must have only been hours. She found herself completely lost. However much she tried to redirect her Sat nav, she just couldn’t seem to find the correct junction she needed to take to visit her parents. Eventually, she passed a sign for a caravan park. Even though it wasn't the place she usually stayed at, she needed somewhere to stay. She needed to sleep off her brain fog and start the journey afresh the next morning. What Cheryl couldn't understand was that she had taken this route to see her parents a dozen times. Something else was playing on Cheryl's mind. A vague memory of an argument that she had had that morning involving her daughter Karen.  

'Mom, stay with me,' Karen pleaded, holding onto her hands, while grandson Tommy continued crying in the background. Cheryl was intrigued to learn about the argument but couldn't recall anything.  

Exiting her car, Cheryl walked along the stony path leading to the farmhouse. A woman with cheerful, crinkly eyes and a grey bun greeted her at the door.  

'Hello, my dear... we've been expecting you,' the woman said with a Cornish accent. Cheryl was a bit surprised, as she hadn't made a reservation; she had simply noticed a 'Caravan to rent' sign. Dismissing the remark as casual banter, Cheryl assumed the woman was just being friendly or perhaps similarly greeted all her guests.  

‘Your caravan, my dear, is sparkling clean and ready for you.’ The woman gazed into Cheryl's eyes, causing a slight unease, before retrieving a key from her apron and handing it to Cheryl. ‘It's number 33, my dear. Walk down the pathway and turn left. You are invited for dinner later this evening. Get yourself settled in first, my dear.’ Cheryl thanked her and went on her way.  

Cheryl's steps slowed as she moved further inside the caravan, her senses awash with nostalgia. Every corner seemed to whisper memories of sunny days spent with her grandparents, of laughter and simple joys. The peculiar scent that filled the air, that unique blend of cleanliness and lemon, transported her back to those carefree days. It was as if time had folded in on itself, allowing her a fleeting visit to her cherished past. She ran her fingers over the smooth surfaces, half-expecting to find some memento left behind, a tangible link to confirm the surreal connection she felt. The rational part of her mind insisted it was merely a coincidence, that all caravans of this sort probably smelled somewhat similar. Yet, in her heart, she couldn't shake off the feeling that, in some inexplicable way, she had come home. For the first time in a long time, she felt a sense of peace and belonging, taking her back to her childhood memories.  

Cheryl slumped onto the sofa, weary from her very trying day of struggling to remember everything and failing miserably. Usually, she prided herself on her sharp, crystal-cut logical mind. She hoped she would feel better tomorrow after a good night's rest; restored and ready to continue the rest of her journey.  

As Cheryl drifted off to sleep, a majestic bright light awoke her. She opened her eyes and pulled back the curtains, to find the most vibrant rainbow she had ever laid eyes on. Cheryl watched the rainbow in awe, taking in all its vivid and beautiful colours. The rainbow was bigger and brighter than any other rainbow she had ever seen in her whole, entire life. It was so unusual, she wondered if she was dreaming. To Cheryl's surprise, like a trick of the mind's eye, the rainbow drew closer toward her. Cheryl fancied that if she reached out her arm, the brilliant golden yellow, deep-set orange and alluring indigo would touch the palm of her hand. The rainbow gently nudged the glass of the window but before it managed to enter the caravan, Cheryl fell into a deep and wonderful sleep.  

Cheryl awoke to a gentle tapping on her caravan door. A young man of around the age of twenty-five stood outside. She patted her hair down to neaten it and opened the door. Like the caravan, somehow the man appeared very familiar to her.    

‘Connie sent me here to see if you would like to join us at the farmhouse for supper tonight. I’m Adam by the way.' Cheryl studied the young man, there was a sparkle in his eyes she fancied she had seen before somewhere. Maybe she had bumped into him on previous trips to visit her parents. Cheryl wondered if Connie always invited the new guests for supper… It seemed a nice gesture if not a little unexpected. Cheryl's stomach rumbled with hunger; she was ready for something to eat. She just wished she had been given some notice, time to freshen up and maybe change out of her old clothes. She looked around for her suitcase and handbag but couldn’t find either. She reasoned she must have left them behind in the car earlier.    

‘No need to worry about getting glammed up,' Adam said, ‘Connie has the food all waiting to be served, best get there quickly before it gets cold.' Cheryl nodded, then decided she could always pick up her belongings from the car on the way back from the farmhouse.

Cheryl's footsteps grew lighter as they approached the farmhouse, the warmth of Adam's arm around her injecting a sense of safety