Chapter 1
As I walked along the Northern streets of London, accompanied by my daughter, or should I say, adopted daughter, Flora. We were going on a shopping trip to celebrate Flora's 12th birthday. Ever since I adopted Flora, I'd spent so little time with her, I put the complete blame on puzzles and mysteries for that. But now that Luke has moved back in with his parents, I have more than enough time on my hands to spend with Flora.
'Flora, do you have an idea of what present you want me to buy you?', I asked her.
'Oh well, I did have something in mind, but I assume it's too expensive' Flora replied looking down all of a sudden.
'Flora, don't just assume, please tell me what gift you were thinking of.'
'I hoped that I you could get me', She paused nervously, 'A brother'.
'A brother?', I answered.
'I know it may seem a little silly, but since Luke left, it's been awfully boring, more-so than before.'
'Then I could buy you a puzzle book to pass the time.' I happily suggested. It's no secret that puzzles are my all-time favourite form of entertainment.
'Professor, May I remind you that we are shopping for my birthday present and not for another puzzle book.' Flora replied in an annoyed tone.
'Flora', I knelt down so that I could face her, ' Even If I wanted to I can't just give you a brother. Even though It's what you want most, There are some things that money can't buy. I'm sorry Flora.'
'That's alright professor, I guess a puzzle book will do.' Flora replied, looking slightly more depressed than before.
We continued walking through north London, stopping whenever Flora spotted a suitable gift. We ended up leaving with a pair of pink flats, a china tea set, three stuffed bears and a small pink beret. This shopping trip has reminded me of a puzzle, I thought to myself.
We continued walking down the brick lanes of London. As we walked we passed an alleyway, filled with adults and children, all poor and living rough. They pulled out their thin blankets and tried to shelter themselves with the little material they had. It was bad enough that these people had to live in this poverty but even worse that nobody tried to help them.
'Flora, we'll have to extend our shopping trip a little bit' I told her bleakly.
'Really professor!? I know that you couldn't buy me exactly what I wanted but I do believe this is enough!', she replied, gesturing to the abundance of shopping bags she held in her hands.
'Don't worry Flora, this time, the gifts aren't for you', I replied before leading her towards a crowded marketplace.