Nama : Hasbul Rizuan B Ismail @ Abu Hassan Class : 404 College no.

: 10683 Due date : 6 January 2011

Title Synopsis Chapter 1: Chapter 2: Chapter 3: Chapter 4:

At the Doctors Rorys Homework Jotter At Home with Granda Parents Night

Page 3 4 5 6 7

Chapter 5: The Fire Chapter 6: Granda in Hospital Chapter 7: Childrens Home at Castle Street Chapter 8: Visiting Granda in Hospital Chapter 9: When Can We Go Home? Chapter 10: Rory and Mrs Foley Chapter 11: Wheres Granda? Chapter 12: Rachnadar Chapter 13: The Great Escape Chapter 14: The Caravan Chapter 15: Fishing by the Pond Chapter 16: Happy Days Chapter 17: On the Run Chapter 18: Kindred Spirits Chapter 19: Feeling Carefree Chapter 20: Family Ties Chapter 21: The Party Chapter 22: Saying Goodbye Chapter 23: Granda Hits Back Chapter 24: By Hook or by Crook Chapter 25: On the Road Chapter 26: The Good Samaritan Chapter 27: I Know Where I Am Going Chapter 28: Making Plans Chapter 29: Chains of Friends Chapter 30: Kind Betrayal Chapter 31: Escaping Again Chapter 32: Call for Help Chapter 33: Alls Well that Ends Well Themes Moral Value Characters

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39

Chapter 1: At the Doctors

Rord and Granda were at Dr Nicols clinic. While waiting to be called, Granda was his usual self- cirious, friendly and unable to keep still. He opened the door for a young mother and started talking to her bonny baby. Suddenly, the smell of smoke was in the air. The young mother was panicked and pointed out that Granda was on fire. Smoke was belching out of his pocket. The smoke alarm went off. Granda twisted himself round to see his burning pocket and Rory quickly threw a vase of water over him. Granda and Rory were with Dr. Nicol. Granda complained to the doctor that Rory tried to drown him. Dr. Nicol was amused and said they were double act who made him laugh. He commented that Granda was lucky to have Rory as a grandson. He said he would try his best to get them a home help as Rory could not be doing everything from shopping to cooking to cleaning himself. Granda insisted he help out as well and Rory loyally agreed. On their way out, Dr Nicol questioned Rory about Grandas memory. As soon as they left, Dr Nicol got on the phone.

Chapter 2: Rorys Homework Jotter

Rory could not find his homework jotter. Granda said he had probably kept it in Rorys school bag. This worried Rory as he knew Granda hardly kept things in their correct place. He had already been told off by his teacher, Mrs. Foley, for forgetting his homework three times that week. Suddenly, Granda shouted that he remembered putting the homework jotter in Rorys school bag when he was putting the garbage down the chute. Rory got scared. He looked into his bag and sure enough, found the bag of garbage there. Rory asked his classmates to help him think of an excuse to give Mrs. Foley. They tried to help as they all loved Granda ang thought his exploits were funny. Rory did not even have to embellish those stories to make his friends laugh. In the end, Rory told Mrs. Foley he had lost his homework. When Mrs. Foley asked Rory to stay back during lunchtime to do his homework, Rory refused and gave the excuse that Granda would have prepared lunch for him. In actual fact, it was Granda who relied on Rory to get lunch ready. Rory felt he had to look after Granda now that Granda was getting old and forgetful.

Chapter 3: At Home with Granda

Rory did not want to ga for football practice. The coach, Mr. Hood, told him hat he was a good player. When Rory said he was no longer interested, Darren commeted that Rory was turning into lassie. Darren was of the opinion that Granda should be placed in a home. His mother said the same thing too. This upset Rory because he knew Granda would rather die than stay in the dark and forbidding local old folks home. Rory tried to coach Granda on how to behave during Parents Night. It was not an easy task as Granda kept making jokes. But Rory kept trying as he wanted to reassure Mrs Foley that Granda was normal. That evening, Rory asked Granda about Rorys father. Granda became angry at the mention of his son. He told Rory that he and Rorys grandmother had spoiled the boy. When he got tired of things, he threw them aside. When he grew up, he did the same with Rory and Rorys mother. Granda softened when he talked about Rorys mother. The memory of Rorys father leaving the family was still fresh in Grandas mind and he became agitated. Rory, who wanted to know more, had no choice but to calm him down.

Chapter 4: Parents Night

Rory and Granda were late for Parents Night. As they walked in, Mrs Foley gave them a look of disapproval. Darren greeted Granda and dared him to call Mrs Foley Holy Foley. Rory did not permit it. Granda got excited and had to use the toilet. As Rory waited for him in the classroom, he worried Granda might forget why they were in school and went back home. Rory was relieved when Granda returned to the classroom. It was their turn to speak to Mrs Foley and Granda was started off well. Suddenly, he peered at her and remarked that she indeed had o moustache. Rory felt extremely embarrassed but before anything else could happen, they smelt smoke in the classroom. Grandas coat was on fire! Granda had sneaked a puff on his pipe when he went to the toilet and had left it smouldering in his coat pocket. Mrs Foleys coat hanging next to Grandas also caught fire. The fire alarms went off and everyone was ushered to the playground. Granda and the rest of Rorys classmates found the entire incident funny and exciting but Rory did not. He was looking at Mrs Foleys expression that seemed the indicate their troubles were not over.

Chapter 5: The Fire

All of Rorys friends discussed the fire excitedly and exaggerated the incident. However, Rory was worried about the questions that would be raised about Grandas carelessness. Darrens mother had commented on the danger of such a thing happening in the middle of the night and that Rory should not have to bear such a heavy responsibility it was then. Val Jessup, a social worker, visited Rory and Granda. She checked Grandas pension books to make sure he was getting his full range of benefits. She said she would organize a home help for them as well. When Rory told Mrs Foley about them getting a social worker and home help, she was relieved. During lunchtime, when Rory went to the bakers, he was told that the Fire Brigade was at his flats and someone had been taken away in an ambulance. Rory ran home immediately. He saw a crowd round to the building and policement standing at the entrance. He tried to dodge through them but was caught. Then, his neighbour, Mrs MacKay, saw him and she criticized Granda for starting the fire. This upset Rory. A policeman comforted Rory and told him that Granda had been sent to the hospital. The fire was caused by a chip pan Granda had left on the stove.

Chapter 6: Granda in Hospital

A policement took Rory to the hospital to see Granda. Rory felt numb and did not register what the policemewoman was telling him. He feared the worst might have happened. When Rory entered Grandas room, his knees went weak. All round Granda were drips and needles and monitors. The oxygen mask on Grandas face made him look like an alien. The nurse comforted Rory but Rory only felt reassured by the warmth of Grandas hand. Rory sat with Granda until evening and prayed to God for Granda to wake up. Val Jessup came in later. She looked nervous and Rory felt something was not right. It was getting late and Val said it was time Rory got some sleep. However, when Rory wanted to go back to his flat, Val said that he was not allowed to do that. Instead, she would be taking him to the place he dreaded most the childrens home at Castle Street. Rory felt scared. He did not want to go there. However, he felt that it could be Gods plan for him and Granda. So, he allowed himself to be driven to the childrens home at Castle Street.

Chapter 7: Childrens Home at Castle Street

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The childrens home at Castle Street looked like something out of a ghost story. Rory wished he could turn back time and had the chance to hide or throw the chip pan. He snapped at Val when she asked if he was all right and got out of the car. A tall, gangly boy, Tony, welcomed Rory to the home. He introduced Rory to some of the children sitting at the table having supper. Rory joined them and they talked for a while. They seemed pretty nice except for one girl, Tess, who came in later and created a lot of fuss. She yelled at Rory for sitting at her place and kicked at the table, sending mugs and tes everywhere. Rory was placed in a room with Tom and Jackie. His bed was snug in a corner and had clean sheets. It looked comfortable. However, Rory could not sleep because his head was a jumble of emotions. He thought about the event of the day and about what Tess could do to him.He clutched his duvet and tried not to cry.

Chapter 8: Visiting Granda in Hospital

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Rory fell asleep but woke up every hour during the night. By the time Tom and Jackie got ready to go to school, Rory was already dreesed. They went down for breakfast and saw Tess seated there. Rory sat as far away from her as he could. Later, Tony phoned the hospital and was told Granda was awake and had even eaten some breakfast. Rory was delighted and told Val the news as soon as she arrived to pick him up. When Rory and Val stepped out of the hospital lift, they could hear Granda thanking the nurses loudly. Rory ran to Grandas room and they hugged each other tightly. Rory said he thought Granda was going to die but Granda aid he was too tough for that to happen. When Rory asked about the fire, Granda explained that he was trying to cook some chips. He had left the chip pan on the stove while rummaging in the wardrobe for potatoes. When Granda asked Rory where he stayed the night before, Rorys hesisation in answering was enough of an answer. Granda became agitated when he found out Rory had stayed at Castle Street and began to struggle to get out of the bed. Val and the nurse had to calm him down and Rory had to assure Granda that he would only live at Castle Sreet until Granda was ready to come home. When Granfa said that he will be home the next day, Rory saw the look that passed between Val and the nurse and felt afraid.

Chapter 9: When Can We Go Home?

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Val took Rory back to the flat. The walls were blackened, the furniture were damaged and the air was filled with the smell of smoke. Rory felt like crying when he saw Grandas mug and other familiar things in the flat. He began packing his clothes ang Grandas medicines. When Rory asked if he could have the flat painted before Granda was released from the hospital, Val told him not to worry about that for a moment. This made Rory worry. How long was he going to stay at the Castle Street? He did not want to live there for long because Tess scared him. As the days passed, Tess seemed to grow angrier with Rory. She even tried to strangle him when he said she took after her mother. Rory kept hoping to get out of the childrens home and return to his flat. Granda felt the same too but they could not do anything. That night, Val called to say that she had something important to tell him the next day and for the entire night, Rory felt afraid.

Chapter 10: Rory and Mrs Foley

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At school the next day, Mrs Foley questioned Rory about his stay at Castle Street. She seemed so concerned that he told her all about Tess. Mrs Foley felt that Rory should not stay at the place. She said that she was going to give Val Jessup a call. Darren warned Rory that rs Foley might want to foster him. The thought terrified Rory. He insisted that was not possible as Granda would be released from the hospital soon. Darren, however, voiced Rorys fears by saying that Granda might not be doing as well as Rory thought. Rory felt scared and went straight to the hospital at lunchtime. Rory headed for Grandas room. They were no nurses round and Rory opened the door to Grandas room. He got a shock. Grandas bed had been stripped and the room was empty of Grandas things. His first thought was Granda was dead.

Chapter 11: Wheres Granda?

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Everything seemed to fall into place for Rory. He understood now why the nurses exchanged looks when Granda said he was getting better and why Val wanted to speak to him. Rory started screaming for Granda. A staff nurse and two nurses rushed into the room and tried to calm him. A call was made to Val Jessup. The staff nurse, Maureen, assured Rory that Granda was fine. He had been moved. She said Val would take Rory to Granda shortly. Val Jessup arrived at the hospital and told Rory that they had to move Granda elsewhere. She looked troubled when she said this. Then, Val explained gently that Rory could not take the responsibility of looking after Granda any more. Granda was not fit enough to go home with Rory. So, he had been placed in Rachnadar.

Chapter 12: Rachnadar

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Rory had never seen Granda cry, not even when Rorys grandmother passed away. But when Rory entered the ward at Rachnadar, he saw Granda sitting on his bed with tears on his face. Rory started crying as well and ran to hug Granda. Granda asked Rory if he was there to take him home and that upset Rory even more. Granda pleaded with Rory not to let him stay at Rachnadar; it was a place where unwanted old folks lived. Granda became so agitated that the nurses had to give him something to make him sleep. To make matters worse, back at the childrens home at Castle Street, Tess was at her worst behaviour. Rory could not tolerate it and yelled at her. Tess attacked Rory and punched him on the nose. The days became more unbearable for Rory. In school, he was afraid of Mrs Foley. At Castle Steert, he had to keep clear of Tess. At Rachnadar, Granda retreated further and further into his own world. One day, Rory found him at the emergency exit beside his room. Granda talked about the old days when people cared and looked out for one another. Granda said that he would run away if he was younger. Rory felt afraid to hear Granda speaking that way. He began to think of his options and decided what he would do. He and Granda would run away.

Chapter 13: The Great Escape

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Rory began planning his Great Escape. Darren suggested that Rory and Granda run to his mothers caravan. He sneaked Rory the spare key and told him to leave soon. Rory already had a plan in mind. On the day of the escape, he would wedge open the door to the emergency exit when he visited Granda, go back to the Castle Street with Val, grab his and Grandas rucksacks, return to Grandas room by the way of the emergency exit and then creep out of the hospital. They would take the train to the park where Darrens mothers caravan was located. When the day arrived, Rory felt extremely nervous. He opened the mergency exit during visiting hours and hoped nobody would notice him missing from Castle Street when he escaped later. Rory was lucky. That night, he returned to Rachnadar without any problems. Signalling to Granda to be silent, Rory began stuffing Grandas things into the rucksack and helped him to wear his coat and shoes. Granda kept asking where they were going but Rory did not answer until they were ready to leave. Then, he told Granda they were running away.

Chapter 14: The Caravan

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Rory felt God was helping him because everything went smoothly. They crossed the grounds of Rachnadar and in spite of Grandas yells whenever he walked into bushes or nettles, no one was alerted. They made it to the train station and got off at the pierhead. Rory guided Granda up a long winding path leading to the caravan site. Granda panted from exhaustion but kept reassuring Rory he was all right. Rory felt scared for Granda but reminded himself if Granda were to die, at least he would die a free man. Rory and Granda reached Darrens mothers caravan. It was located at a secluded spot at the caravan site. Granda realized where they were and began laughing with joy. The caravan was luxurious and crammed with food. Suddenly, Rory noticed tears on Grandas face. Granda expressed appreciation for what Rory had done for him. Rory was touched for by this and wanted to cry too. Then, they had supper and Granda went to bed. Rory stood on the veranda of the caravan thinking that they would have been missed by now. However, he knew he had done the right thing. He would rather die than be separated from Granda again.

Chapter 15: Fishing by the Pond

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The next morning, Rory immediately checked his mobile phone and was glad there was no text message from Darren. Darren was supposed to warn Rory if they had been discovered. When Rory walked to the kitchen, he was surprised to see that Granda had prepared breakfast. Granda looked like his old self capable and in charge. Rory began to sing with happiness and Granda joined in. Rory felt it was the best breakfast he had ever eaten. After eating, Rory and Granda decided to go for a walk. Granda was annoyed at Rory for forgetting to bring his pipe. However, the beautiful scenery and their freedom won him over and he was back to his happy self. They walked to a pond and Rory suggested that Granda catch some fish. Granda happily agreed. They spent the afternoon fishing. Granda managed to catch a fish and when they hauled it in, they began laughing with joy. They laugh so much they almost did not hear footsteps in the bushes behind them.

Chapter 16: Happy Days

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Rory tensed when he heard footsteps. Granda angrossed in the fish, did not hear it. Rory took a thick branch and stood defiantly between Granda and the person coming through the bushes. Then, a man and a boy came out through the undergrowth. They look at Rory and Granda warily and asked them a few questions. Suddenly, Granda stood up and harshly told them to move off and mind their own business. The man answered harshly as well and went away. After they had left, Granda rudely referred to them as tinkers. Rory said it was not politically to call them that: travellers was a most suitable word. Later, Granda told Rory about his childhooh when his father taught how to prepare a fish, a skill he had passed on to his son. However, he quickly changed the subject, saying he had no son and that Rory was his only son. Rory worried that the man and boy might report them to the police but Granda assured Rory that that would not happen. Those people stayed away from the police as well. Over the next few days, Rory felt that Granda seemed to be much more alert and less confused. However, Rory knew hey could not stay there forever. Sure enough, the next day, Darren sent Rory a massage saying people were coming for them.

Chapter 17: On the Run

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Rory and Granda immediately began packing their things. Rory double-checked that he had all Grandas medicines, some food, and warm clothes. He kept his ears cocked for the sound of a police siren. They walked down the winding road and Rory kept a lookout for police cars. Rory heard the distance hum of a police siren and pulled Granda into he nearby bushes. They were about to reach the road when Rory heard the police car coming from behind them. He pulled Granda back into the bushes. The police car stopped at the entrance of the park, followed shortly by two more police cars. Rory was angry that police were wasting their time looking for an old man and a boy when they could looking for criminals. Granda, in a quivering voice, told Rory to run so tht he could surrender and the search might be called off. Rory refused, saying they would either go back together or escape together. The police began spread out, some heading straight for them. There was nowhere to run. At that moment, a hand clemped round Rorys mouth. Rory panicked but saw it was the man they had met that day. Another man had clamped Grandas mouth shut. Softly, the man told Rory that they were going to help them.

Chapter 18: Kindred Spirits

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Rory could not believe what was happening but somehow he trusted the man. Granda struggled at first but stopped when Rory told him everything was all right. The men took them through a pathway until they reach a caravan and a large camper van. The boy they met the other day, Tyrone, opened he door and asked them to come in. Granda sat on a seat tiredly and closed his eyes. Rory took Grandas pills, forced them into his mouth and made him drink some water. Rory asked Tyrone and his mother why they were helping them when they did not know anything about them. Throne said Rory and Granda were on television every night. They recognized them as the people they met that day and decided to help them. Furthemore, Tyrones mother understood their situation as social workers had been interfering in her family too. Tyrones mother introduced herself as Ruby. She and Granda got along immediately. As they moved out of the caravan site, Rory looked out of the window and saw three police cars at he entrance. Rory felt fearful when the police glanced at their caravan but they managed to leave the place safely.

Chapter 19: Feeling Carefree

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Rory woke up the next morning and recalled the traumatic events of the night before. Granda was still sleeping. When Ruby called him for breakfast, he came out and sat with Sammy, Tyrones father. Rory apologized for Grandas behaviour at the pond but Sammy waved it aside. Then, Granda came in and sat down with them. He eyed Sammy suspiciously but was very pleasant to Ruby. Sammy told Rory and Granda that they were heading up north for a family members birthday. Tyrone switched on the television to show Rory and Granda how famous they had become. They made the top story on the Scottish news. Val Jessup appeared on screen and appealed to Rory and Granda to get in touch. The authorities were worried about them both especially Granda. Darrens mother appeared next and emphasized that Rory should bring Granda back as he was not well. Rory began to wonder if he did the right thing. However, Granda pounded the table and insisted he would rather die of cold and hunger, and be free.

Chapter 20: Family Ties

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Sammy traveled north through country roads. Along the journey, Tyrone spoke happily of his life being a series of adventures. Even Granda enjoyed himself. He sat in front of the caravan with Sammy. He was warming up to Sammy and thought Ruby was marvelous person. As they went their way, they saw a posters of Granda and Rory. Rory worried that Sammy and his family might get in trouble for helping them but Sammy reassured them thar there was no problem. When Rory wanted to pay Ruby for their meals, Ruby refused, saying that they were sincere in helping them. Rory learnt from them onwards never to judge anyone again. When they reached their destination, the two families greeted each other affectionately. Granda and Rory were introduced to Bernie, Bernies wife and his children, Zara and Joshua. Bernie told Granda that the authorities were widening the net looking for them. They should start thinking of what they were going to do next. Sammy told them not to worry about it yet and just enjoy themselves for the night.

Chapter 21: The Party

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Bernie brought out a guitar and began playing it during dinner. They sang songs and Ruby got Granda to dance with her. Rory had seen Granda in such a happy and carefree mood in a long time. All doubts about whether he had done the right thing by taking Granda away cleared up. When Ruby said she could read fortunes and offered to read Grandas, Granda told Ruby to read Rorys fortune instead. Ruby took Rorys hand and closed her eyes. She said that people who were after them who were closing in but they would not catch them. Instead, Rory would have no choice but to go to them later. She said that they would experience many adventures and also meet people who would be helpful and people whom they could not trust. Rory would also find the thing he was looking for and his life would change. However, he would experience a terrible sadness sirst. When Rory questioned if Granda would be all right, Ruby did not gave him an answer.

Chapter 22: Saying Goodbye

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The next morning, Tyrone woke Rory up to watch the news on television. The report mentioned that some travelers had left the caravan site at the same time Rory and Granda were last seen there. The travelers were urged to get in touch with the authorities. Rory knew at once they could not stay with Sammy any more. He and his family would get into trouble. Tyrone was not happy with this but Ruby explained that it was time for Rory to move on. On television, people were felt that Granda was being irresponsible. Others sympathized with Rory and Granda and agreed with their dicision to run away. They woke Granda up and Rory explained the situation to him. Sammy and Bernie said they had family in Glasgow; Rory and Granda should head there to take shelter for a while. As Rory and Granda had to go by train, Ruby suggested they sit in separate carriages to avoid attension. Sammy and his family drove them to the train station. Ruby hugged Granda tightly and Sammy gave Rory his mobile phone number in case he needed help. Rory felt sad to watch them go and Granda was already crying. Granda said he would never call them thinkers again.

Chapter 23: Granda Hits Back

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Rory and Granda sat separately on the train. While Rory pretended to look at a magazine, Granda kept looking and grinning at Rory. None of the others passengers seemed to be interested in them except for a lady sitting at the window seat. She looked at Rory and then at Granda who grinned and waved to Rory. The lady opened her eyes wide at that. Rory knew they had to get off at the next stop. He could not risk getting caught now. When the train stopped at the next station, Rory moved towards Granda and quickly guided him out of the train, hoping to get lost in the crowd. The train moved off and no one came after them. Granda had use the toilet and Rory waited for him. Suddenly, someone grabbed Rory from behind. It was the boy Rory saw slugging lemonade on the train. He demanded to know where Granda was and refused to get Rory go. The boy kept on talking when suddenly, someone hit him on the head with a bottle. It was Granda. Rory was sure Granda had killed him but Granda just tutted, saying he boy would be all right. Then, Granda took charge and said they had to get away by stealing a car.

Chapter 24: By Hook or by Crook

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Granda dsaid he was going to hot-wire a car for them to escape. Rory felt nervous when he said this and asked him whether he had undergone a personality change in toilet. First, Granda hit a boy. Next, he wanted to steal a car. Granda told Rory that they were fugitives and had no choice but to save themselves. Granda hot-wire an old blue Corsa and they drove off. Grandas driving terrified Rory. He had to keep reminding Granda to be careful. They left the city safely and managed to get on the back roads leading south. In the afternoon, they stopped at a lay-by and Granda took a nap. Rory could not sleep. His mind was filled with questions and felt things were getting worse.

Chapter 25: On the Road

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Granda woke up and they ate the sandwiches prepared by Ruby. They drove on and Granda kept playing Frank Sinatras song, My Way. The car began running out of petrol and Rory had to figure out a suitable place to get the petrol safely. They had to go some place quiet and insolated because they could not hot-wire the car again in a crowded place. When they came toa dimly-lit petrol station at the edge of a tiny village, Rory felt it was the best place to refill the car. Rory hoped to fill up the car, pay and get away quickly. But, he had no idea how to put in the petrol or where the petrol kept of the car was. Granda had fallen asleep again. Rory was looking for the petrol cap when someone tapped him on the shoulder. The man at the petrol station offered his services. When Rory wanted to pay him, the man did not take the money. Instead, he leaned into the car, looked at Granda and told Rory they would not be going anywhere that night.

Chapter 26: The Good Samaritan

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Rory panicked but the man grinned at him. He said he wanted to help them. Many people were on the lookout for them and they would not go far. Furthemore, Granda looked exhausted. Rory noticed Grandas pallor and felt his extremely cold hands. Rory and the man pushed the car to the back of the station. Rory knew the man was a stranger but he had no choice but to accept the mans help. The man carried Granda to his flat and introduced himself as Rab. Rab switched on the television but Rory was more concerned about Grandas condition. He looked pale and was shaking. Then, he fell asleep. Rory was worried Granda might be ill. Had he done the wrong thing? As Rory prayed to God for help, he suddenly caught the news on television. The reporter was saying that a boy and an old man could not have gone missing so easily, and was sure that the public was helping them. When the reporter mentioned that Rorys father was in Liverpool and there was hope that Rory and Granda might contact him, Rory knew what he had to do. It was time for his father to take responsibility.

Chapter 27: I Know Where I Am Going

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Rab was surprised to hear about Rorys father on the news. Rory told Rab not to mention his father to Granda as it would only upset Granda. Rory had made up his mindto go Liverpool to look for his father, Jeff. He wondered how to get there but Rab expressed confidence in Rory, saying if he could get this far, he could get to Liverpool too. Rab also said Jeff would probably be in the phone book. That night, Rory wedged a chair under the door handle before going to sleep. Rab might be nice man bur Rory did not want to take any chances. During the night, Granda fell off the bed. He woke up in a panic and had a sudden memory lapse. When Rory calm him down and Granda went back to sleep, Rory felt angry. He was determined to get to Liverpool.

Chapter 28: Making Plans

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Next morning, when Rory woke up, he heard Rab speaking softly on the phone. Rory demanded to know who Rab was talkingto and felt relieved when told it was not the police. Rab said he had a plan for them. The police were looking for the car they stole and the boy Granda had hit was saying that Granda had assaulted him. Rab said nobody would believe the boy. He was still going to drive them to meet his girlfriend, Annie. When Rory asked Rab why he was helping them, Ran answered that he, just like many people, wanted Rory and Granda to be together. Since Rory had decided to go to Liverpool, Rab had arranged with Annie and a whole line of friends to get Rory and Granda there. When Rab helped Rory to dress and shave Granda, Granda said people were indeed kind. Here they were trying to escape and all kind of strangers were willing to help them. Later, Rab drove while Granda snoozed in the back seat. When Rab stopped at a lay-by on a deserted road, Annie was waiting for them. Rab introduced Annie to Rory and Granda. Tey ate the food she brought and Rab left. Rory and Granda got into Annies car and they drove off.

Chapter 29: Chains of Friends

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They passed a sign that proclaimed WELCOME TO ENGLAND. They were getting nearer to Liverpool. When Granda asked Rory where they were going, Rory simply told him the name of their next stop and avoided giving any explanation. Granda grubled a little. Annie told them she was taking them to her cousins place. When they arrived at her cousin Normas house, Norma welcomed them warmly. Rory and Granda were overcome by such kindness. Then, they were introduced to Normas daughter, Nicola, and had dinner. After dinner, Annie hugged Granda tearfully and left. Rory thanked Norma for wanting to drive them to Liverpool. Granda said he did not know why they were going to Liverpool. Rory explained that Granda did not accept Jeff as his son anymore. Norma looked worried at this. At that moment, they heard a roar of Granda. They rushed into the living room and saw Granda standing unsteadily on his feet, pointing angrily at the television. Granda had found out why they were going to Liverpool!

Chapter 30: Kind Betrayal

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Granda was shaking with anger. He did not want to go to Liverpool. He was so upset that in the end, Rory had to promised Granda, the more Rory hated his dad. Not once had his dad appeared on television and offered help. His dad did not want them at all. The next morning, Granda looked very pale and was wheezing in his sleep. Rory called Norma to check on Granda. She looked concerned and told Rory to let Granda rest for now. Then, she and Nicola left to go into town. Before they went, Nicola gave Rory her mobile number and said she would call or to call her in case of any emergency. Granda woke up in the afternoon. He was disorientated and said he dreamt the authorities had caught up with them and they had to run. Rory got him out of bed and got him dressed. They waited the whole afternoon for Norma and Nicola to return. It was dusk when the phone rang. Seeing it was Nicolas number, Rory answered the call. Nicola was almost crying. She warned him that Norma had made a police report and the authorities were coming to the house.

Chapter 31: Escaping Again

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Nicola explained that Norma made the police report because she was concerned about Grandas health and about Rory. Rory immediately gor Granda ready to make another escape. He reassured Granda that they were definitely not going to Liverpool. He packed as many things as he could, including some food. Rory decided to take back the road and as they climbed the hill, he saw two police cars heading for the house. The journey was hard on Granda but he kept going. Suddenly, Rory heard a siren. He shoved Granda to run and they hid themselves in a hedge just in time. The police car passed them by slowly. Granda looked very tired and Rory knew he had to rest. They stopped at a stone bus shelter. Granda lay on the bench and said he would take a short rest. He looked so pale that Rory suggested they go back. Granda, however, determinedly said no. When Rory promised they would not go back, Granda was contented. He said, if he were to die that night, he would die in a happy man. Then, he fell asleep and began snoring. Rory watched the deserted road. He could not remember falling asleep but touched Grandas shoulder to wake him up and felt that something was wrong. Granda looked too pale and was not breathing. Granda was dead!

Chapter 32: Call for Help

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Rory shouted at Granda but Granda did not move. Panicking, Rory began to run for help. He arrived at a house and pounded on the door. A couple opened it and Rory pleaded for help. The man drove Rory back to the bus shelter while his wife called the police. Rory was hoping that he would see Granda was standing there and waving his first angrily at being left alone, but what he saw was worse. When Rory had gone to seek help, Granda had fallen off the bench and lay face down the ground. Everything became a blur for Rory. The police and ambulance arrived. Someone put a blaket round Rory and gave him a mug of hot tea. He was guided into one of the police cars. Rory wanted to follow Granda ambulance but a policewoman told Rory someone wanted to talk to him first. A man got into the car and sat beside Rory. Rory told the man he did not want to separated from Granda and the man reassured him that they would both go to the hospital. Then, the man looked at Rory and told him he was Rorys father.

Chapter 33: Alls Well that Ends Well

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It turned out that Granda was not dead. It was touch and go for a while and he hovered between life and death for a few days. When Rory knew that Granda was going to survive, he followed his father home to his family. Rory was introduced to his fathers wife, Karen, and his two daughters, Rhonda and Ava. Granda fell in love with the children and he liked Karen too. But Granda still treated Jeff badly. Jeff kept apologizing to Granda and Rory. Rory and Granda stayed on in Liverpool. They got a flat near Jeffs house and went in and out of each others house every day. They even had home helps and care workers to help them. Rory was happy that everything had turned out well. He had forgiven Norma for going to the police. In the summer, Rory and Granda would be attending Annie and Rabs wedding, and Sammy, Ruby and Tyrone would be visiting them soon. Darrens mother had also invited Rory and Granda to her caravan for a holiday. Grandas memory and health had worsened ever since their escape but Rory was not worried. What was important was that they were together as a family.

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v Lo

co

l al s er u nq

oo G

in t

s io n nt

De th ter e m w in ay at fo ion rs p uc av ce es ss
Hu m an

an h rt e ck i th ter is d wa o lo B

kin

dn es s

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There should not be any generation gap between the young and the old. People should learn to get along and understand each other.

We should not look at strangers unkindly. They may be able to lend a helping hand in our time of need.

We should persevere and be determined in order for us to succeed in our endeavors

We must nurture family relationship and not take them for granted.

We must be prepared to look after our family members regardless of their age

Sometimes, we have to be cruel to be kind

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MAIN CHARACTERS Rory Mclntosh

ing Lov

an

ing c ar d

Re sp o

ns ibl e

d an rst de Un

ing

Patient

Ap pre c ia t iv

Mr Mclntosh / Granda

Det e

rmi n

d lo g an ovin

le v ab

ed

rp Sha

a and

lert

Se lf-c en tre d

Gallant

MINOR CHARACTERS

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 Dr Nicol Darren Fisher Mrs Foley Val Jessup Sammy, Ruby and Tyrone Bernie, Bernies wife, Zara and Joshua Rab and Annie Norma and Nicola Jeff Mclntosh

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