Stephen visibly brightened up as his friends arrived, all thought of responsibility washed away at the sound of friendly jeering from his housemates. He stood up and opened his arms in greeting. "If I were running away I think I would've invited you to a much more exotic location, perhaps Hawaii or Trinidad," He grinned, "If I ever disappear without warning or trace, that's probably where you'll find me, comatose on the beach with Sven the mixologist from Friday night."
He picked up the pole and pointed down to their punt in the river, "But Michael's right, the weather is fine, who's ready for some punting!? All aboard lads. There's beer and ale in the picnic basket with the food! I'll be the punter, unless any of you guys want to try your hand at steering us!"