I think back to my attempts at the stables, and my mum’s unsurprised face when I’d told her what had happened. How difficult I’d found it. ‘We can’t all be good at everything, dear,’ she’d said, barely lifting her head from the Jane Austen she was pretending to read. ‘Maybe try something a little less taxing for your next hobby.’ I’d hated her then, for her lack of care. Her lack of encouragement. But it was always the same, no matter what I did. I tried playing the cello, tap dancing, ice skating, athletics, gymnastics, embroidery – you name it, I tried it – but nothing was good enough to interest either of my parents, who spent their own time hosting lavish dinners for people they didn’t like, trying their hardest to fit into a world that didn’t interest them at all. I would’ve jumped off a cliff if I’d thought it would provoke some sort of reaction.

‘Come on Violet,’ Martin calls and I snap out of my daydream. Up ahead, I can see multi-coloured tents, hear the sounds of car engines, shouted instructions. Children are running around, while hundreds of men and women in nomadic dress are attempting to set up what looks like some kind of fair. Of course – the festival – Sarnai mentioned this on the way here.

We just need to get these horses back to base, and then we can relax here – maybe even have some decent food. And drink … I really hope this isn’t a dry affair.

Batu circles back to me again. ‘Jump back on horse now. We go to camp … then later on, we come back to festival. Lots of food, wine. Have fun, yes?’

‘Yes,’ I say, climbing back onto the horse. This time I slap it hard, just as I saw Carrie do, and it takes off – and soon I am in line with the others. I glance over at Carrie, and she is grinning, her hair blowing in the wind. She turns to face me, gives me two thumbs up. Yells, ‘Well done, V.’ Before giving her horse another little tap, and galloping off ahead, back towards our camp.

She is so effortless, so graceful. So fearless. I realise my mistake now; realise that sometimes, you just need a little encouragement – and then you can get exactly what you want.

To: [email protected] [DRAFT]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Random Nomadic Camp

Hiya,