‘My teachers would be proud – I think that was the idea of the story project in the first place.’
‘I think there are much more important people just outside that door who are rightfully proud of you. But thanks again, Tom; I’m sure the Fields’ and the Hollidays will be keeping in touch.’ The detective patted the boy’s leg as he got up, but then looked self-conscious at the action. He nodded his appreciation one last time and then slipped out of the room.
He was soon replaced by Tom’s mum, dad and Grandma Patty. They arranged themselves in chairs around his bed.
‘How are you feeling today, son?’ asked his dad.
‘I’m fine, just like yesterday. I think I’m ready to go home.’
‘They just want to run a couple more tests, love,’ said Mum. ‘Just to be sure.’
Tom leaned back and sighed. ‘All of us in here are sure, so we know the doctors aren’t going to tell us anything different. There was only one thing that made me walk, and that’s all done with now. I’m going to be in a chair for the rest of my life.’
Charlotte Holliday sat forward in her seat, her fist to her lips. Alex Holliday blinked back a tear.
Grandma Patty noisily shuffled her chair closer to Tom’s bed, so that she was almost face to face with him. ‘I will take every one of your notebook stories, and drag my bones to every old folks’ home I can find, and capture every last breath I can on those pages, and live every dangerous adventure I possibly can with you, if only to see you walk again.’ Her eyes were puffy but determined.
Tom grabbed her hand. ‘It’s okay, Grandma, I’m happy with it, honestly. This is who I am. A few days running around doesn’t change that. I’ve had years – happy years – being in a chair. In fact I miss Dodge! I just want to go home, and get back to normal. Nothing else.’ He squeezed her fingers. ‘Nothing more.’
They all held back their tears, as much as they could, for Tom’s sake. ‘Okay,’ Patty said. ‘Okay.’ She reached down to her handbag and pulled out a couple of things. She placed them on Tom’s lap. ‘Let’s think sunnier thoughts.’ It was the silver box and the ornate key on a cord. ‘Time to claim the prize at the end of our adventure!’
He looked down at the key, smiling. ‘There’s no way that key will fit that box.’
‘Well then, why don’t you just try it and find out.’
He held the metal next to the opening; it changed its shape and slipped into the slot perfectly. It turned with a satisfying click.
The silver lid popped open. Tom reached in and pulled out the golden chain with the heavy, heart shaped, ruby pendant.
‘Thank you, Greatgrammy Aisling.’
THREE MONTHS LATER
Charlotte opened the front door. It was Grandma Patty.
‘Hi Patty. You finally made it then?’
‘I know, I know, it was his birthday yesterday, but when Rammstein’s nearest European tour date is Paris, then I’ve just got to go.’ She had a parcel tucked under her arm. ‘Is the birthday boy in?’
She nodded. ‘Although you’re lucky to catch him.’
They walked toward the living room together, but Charlotte took steps towards the kitchen as Patty went in. Tom and Alex were just finishing with a game on the Playstation. ‘Hello, Mother,’ said Alex. ‘Nice of you to join us. The birthday cake’s all gone, I’m afraid.’
‘And I can see who ate it. Are you able to get up on your own, son, or do you need some help?’
‘Very funny,’ but Alex did creak a little as he got to his feet. ‘I’ll go and put the kettle on.’ He kissed his mother on the cheek on his way to the kitchen.
Patty sat on the sofa near to Tom. ‘Dodge has got a few more bumps and scrapes than last time. Looks like she needs a paint job.’
Tom grinned. ‘Well, she gets out a lot more these days. How was Rammstein?’
She twirled her walking stick and showed him a new sticker. ‘Crazy. How was school this week?’
He twirled his arm around and showed him a plaster on his elbow. ‘Crazy. Wheelchair basketball. All the local schools got together to make up two teams. I got six baskets.’
‘That’s brilliant,’ beamed Patty. ‘Sorry I missed your birthday yesterday, but I got you a gift.’ She handed over the present. Tom thanked her and unwrapped it.
It was a book. A notebook to be precise. One you could by in any stationery store. The inscription on the first page read: For my grandson, Tom, on the occasion of his twelfth birthday.
‘It’s my version of the adventure we had. I wrote it all down. To complement your original tale.’
Smiling, he flicked over the page. ‘The title page is empty.’
‘Yeah, I don’t know what to call it. I’m not very good with names. Perhaps you’ll come up with one when you read it.’
Alex walked back in with two mugs. Tom nodded in his direction. ‘You did okay with Dad. Alex is a cool enough name.’
‘Yeah, but has he ever told you his middle name?’ Tom shook his head.
Alex delivered the mug for Patty but then disappeared with his own. ‘Hendrix!’ he shouted as he walked into the hall.
‘Yeah, that’s pretty bad, Grandma. Thanks for the book though. I’ll think about a title for you.’ He looked down at his watch. ‘But I need to get gone. I’m due over at Jack’s in five minutes.’
‘Oh right! Don’t let me stop you!’ She stood up as Tom wheeled himself past. In the hall, Alex was waiting with his jacket. As Tom leaned forward, he helped him get it on.
Patty grinned at her son. ‘Is his friend Jack coming to collect him? Or his parents, maybe?’
Alex smirked knowingly. ‘No, Mother. Tom can take himself there on his own.’
He opened the door for his son. Alex and Patty watched Tom go smoothly down the drive.
‘Of course he can,’ said Grandma Patty. ‘He can do whatever he wants.’
GREENSPHERE QUEST by TOM HOLLIDAY
THE LAST PAGE
Meanwhile, back at the site of the lair, a thin white man walked up to the empty chest and said in an almost silent, dripping voice: “Kildark seems to have failed me.”
Then he plucked out the tooth from the earth and crushed it. “It appears it might be time for me to make my move.”
THE END
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