Truly Tan Baffled

‘Go on,’ I say. ‘It was quite dark around the streets, but there were several street lights shining and plenty of stars so all was hunky-dory. We went past the school and around a corner and then, before I knew it, we were walking along Miners Avenue.’ I catch my breath. ‘Miners Avenue,’ I say. ‘Cue the scary music.’ ‘Exactly,’ says Gloria. ‘I tried to stay calm and keep strolling along like a normal person. But then Mum got a phone call. It was the lady who bakes sponge cakes for Mum’s café and they had a loooong talk. I was spooked, but I was bored too. So, while they were lost in conversation, I took Alfie and we kept walking; carefully, quietly, all my wits poised and prickly. We walked all the way along the avenue until we came to …’ ‘Journey’s End!’ I say. ‘Journey’s End,’ says Gloria. ‘The big greystone monster with the dead pine tree, the mutant daisies and the stone flamingo. Home to the Windrustle sisters.’

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