Packing up his dad’s old kitbag, Billy excitedly rushed downstairs. The camping trip beckoned. The gang had finally persuaded their parents to let them sleep over at Devil’s Cave near their home.
Summer holidays had started. Most of the boys had jobs for the holidays but this weekend was a boy’s right of passage. His mother had laid out food for them, some bread, a bit of dripping, and some jam tarts. That was my contribution.
Gathering at the end of our road we set off. It was quite a climb to the cave but there was a stream bubbling away alongside the path, so we stopped to fill our pop bottles frequently.
Devil’s Cave was partially hidden in a wooded valley. The clearing in front was perfect for a small bonfire. Everyone hunted around for twigs and dry leaves. Slowly the fire took shape. Emptying our bags of food, we had everything we needed for a right royal feast.
Sausages and beans, potatoes to bake in the fire, mushrooms, a bit of bacon, cakes and tarts.
An afternoon of racing around, climbing trees, war games, then they collapsed in the grass. Owen got the matches out, then coaxed the pile to light. As it roared, they placed the old shovel on top, potatoes in the fire, bean tin on the side. Out came their tin cups and plates. Dai had managed to get his hands on a jug of cider; they felt almost grown up. An almighty bang rang out as the bean can exploded, showering everyone nearby. Someone had forgotten to open it. Laughing, they then tucked into their feast, lounging back and drinking their cider with it.
Rhys was the first to throw up, followed by two or three others. Weird things started happening. Billy could not believe his eyes, unicorns and ghouls floated by, following bright lights in the sky. His cider must have been very strong. All were now either laughing or crying, and stumbling around.
Owen’s brother ran up panting and swearing at Owen, ”Where’s me mushrooms you little tyke,” grabbing him by the scruff, shaking him till he threw up too. Looking around, he realised they were all under the influence. Panic-stricken, he knew he had to stay. Any accidents would come back to haunt him.
Waking at first light, bodies started stirring bleary-eyed. They looked around, a little dizzy. What had happened? Grabbing Owen, his brother told them that he had magic mushrooms in his hidey hole, that Owen had found them, not knowing what they were and had fed them to everyone. They must never tell their parents as they would all be in trouble. They all had to swear an oath never to reveal the secret.
