There was a hammering on the door of Georges bedroom. Laid in bed, George began to stir, his eyes opening up slowly but full of sleep. He heard a voice coming from outside. It was his father, Freddy. Time to get up boys. Weve got a busy day ahead of us. Come on. We need to leave in thirty minutes maximum. Freddys footsteps could be heard pacing away down the landing to knock on Hannahs room: the spare room. Again, he said the same thing, left and retreated back down the stairs. George and Jeremy got up, pulled on some clothes, and went downstairs to make themselves jam on toast. Once theyd devoured their breakfast, helpfully washed down with a cup of strong tea, they ran back upstairs, brushed their teeth, and clambered back downstairs ready to leave. Hannah followed suit. At half past eight, the Rendells and Alsfords were ready to leave. Caroline had already gone outside to start the car up, as it was a frosty cold morning, and they didnt want to be delayed even further. The rest of the family left the house, got into the car and off they drove into the distance. First stop, the beach, said Freddy, turning round in the front passenger seat, beaming at George, Jeremy and Hannah hoping that they would share his enthusiasm but they didnt. Why the beach of all places? Were not seven years old anymore, complained Jeremy. Were having a nice family day out. Itll be good. Please do try to enjoy yourselves, said Freddy, his expression desperately trying to sound positive and emit happiness but he knew his efforts werent working so he stopped talking and stayed silent, for the rest of the car journey, apart from the occasional mutter to his wife regarding what shopping they needed to buy.