Heroes of the Secret Underground Chapter Sampler

The quiet on the roof at sunset makes Louie feel calmer. They can see the water glittering in the harbour from here. On the other side is the park with its ancient trees. Splotches of dark grey triangles whoosh over them. Teddy points at the bats, watching them fly from home. They’ve spent the day hanging upside down in those ancient trees. Just as they have done for more than fifty thousand years. Aboriginal Dreamtime tells stories of bats who lead people to water and food. Some people hate bats. Attack them. Call them names. Even kill them, scared of their vampire wings and whispering calls, or just because they can. Louie shudders. She doesn’t understand why people hate what they don’t understand. Bats are like bees, making fruits and flowers bloom. She breathes in the scents of summer flowers and holds Teddy’s hand. They lie on their backs, gazing at the darkening sky, watching feathery rose beams streak across the blueness. It’s peaceful lying there, with the sun silently flickering away. The locket begins throbbing in Louie’s pocket. It’s soft, like the crying of a lost child. Instinctively, Louie murmurs, ‘Shush, shush, shush.’ Honey rests her paw on Louie’s knee. Teddy nestles beside them. Louie imagines she’s flying between the stars. They all hold hands, on top of the world. The locket is quiet.

16