Chapter 1
It was a cold winter morning and Alex Scotts did not want to have to go to college today. He rolled over, basking in the last few glorious moments of his dream, before opening his eyes to yet another day. He sighed, registering his boredom, when the door swung open.
His Grandmother had entered the room, with a tray in her hands. Chrissie was starting to show her age, being seventy four, and her grey hair was suggesting she was starting to get on. Her kind blue eyes, though wrinkled, always beamed. On the tray was a bowl of cereal, and two slices of toast, as well as a steaming hot cup of tea.
Alex pondered for a moment why he was receiving such hospitality from his aged relative, when he spotted the brightly coloured card on the tray.
"Happy Birthday," she said, in her calm voice. He grinned. "Thanks, Gran"
Alex finished his breakfast, and got showered, dried and dressed. He was wearing his school uniform; a white shirt, blue-and-yellow striped tie and black trousers. He ran down the stairs, and opened the Living Room door.
"Surprise," cried Chrissie. She had decorated the room with balloons, and streamers, and several cards warmed the Mantel Piece. There was a few presents, scattered around the cosy room, and with all this excitement, Alex felt young again.
"Gran," he began, blushing.
"I won't take no as an answer. Now, you're my grandson, and I have the right to treat you," she said, her statement ending with a cough.
"You really ought to go to the Doctors for some antibiotics" Alex warned, sinking into the frayed depths of the armchair.
His Gran shook her head. "I couldn't dear, it's just a cough. Now, for your presents," she lifted up a brightly-coloured box, and handed it to her Grandson.
He opened it enthusiastically, yet apprehensively. As he tore into the polka-dotted coverings, a powerful smell of dust entered his nostrils. He coughed slightly, choking on the dust. His fingernails dug into a piece of soft leather.