Page 18 - Oz Kids in Print, Issue 1, 2020

The Shed

LICE stood in the doorway, in arm and legs. A shiver traced down her Alice thought about his question for a
her ragged brown coat, eyes like spine. her throat was a waterless desert. while. In her heart, she wanted to say that
Aa sorrowful cat. her hair was a he was looking curiously at her, probably
spider’s web, knotty and tangled. She The man mumbled muffled comments wanting something from her.
peered into the crooked house. It was full again. his words were glued together with
of old books, piled messily on wooden no sense of pause nor punctuation. his “you do know that I don’t own this place.
desks. Quietly, Alice tiptoed towards the voice was rusty. No feeling was expressed I just came upon it and found you”,
books. through his speech. explained Alice.

Suddenly, a voice sounded in front of her. Alice could see the desperation in the The man tried to make sense of this. his
Alice froze with fear, not a muscle daring man’s mind and soul. What could he nose twitched like a witch’s nose. his ears
to move. possibly have wanted? This wasn’t even clicked as if he had a lightbulb moment.
her dwelling. Suddenly, out of the blue, a smile formed
An elderly man appeared out of the on his face.
darkness. he had thin, pursed lips and “Maybe I could offer him a book”, she
wrinkled skin. his hands were old and pondered in silence. Alice considered, could this mean a sign
shabby but what melancholy was in his of danger or a mark of the future? Crazy
gaze. he was holding a scruffy bag in his That would look like stealing though. This beliefs came to attention. What could
right hand. Alice wondered what was was hopeless. Alice’s mind was racing with have possibly happened to her life at this
inside. Jewels, an ancient instrument? negative thoughts. The man was carefully moment?
examining her while Alice was buzzing
“Who are you and why are you in here?” with judgements. By Allyson Wu
squeaked the aged man, softly. Year 6, Ravenswood School for Girls
“It’s okay. What do you think I am doing?” GORDON – NSW
Alice made her way forward, confused and questioned the man. Teacher: Sharon Shapiro
silent. goosebumps appeared along her

18 Oz Kids in Print