Nama : Hasbul Rizuan B Ismail @ Abu Hassan

Class : 404

College no. : 10683

Due date : 6 January 2011

Title Page
Synopsis 3
Chapter 1: At the Doctor’s 4
Chapter 2: Rory’s Homework Jotter 5
Chapter 3: At Home with Granda 6
Chapter 4: Parents’ Night 7
Chapter 5: The Fire 8
Chapter 6: Granda in Hospital 9
Chapter 7: Children’s Home at Castle Street 10
Chapter 8: Visiting Granda in Hospital 11
Chapter 9: When Can We Go Home? 12
Chapter 10: Rory and Mrs Foley 13
Chapter 11: Where’s Granda? 14
Chapter 12: Rachnadar 15
Chapter 13: The Great Escape 16
Chapter 14: The Caravan 17
Chapter 15: Fishing by the Pond 18
Chapter 16: Happy Days 19
Chapter 17: On the Run 20
Chapter 18: Kindred Spirits 21
Chapter 19: Feeling Carefree 22
Chapter 20: Family Ties 23
Chapter 21: The Party 24
Chapter 22: Saying Goodbye 25
Chapter 23: Granda Hits Back 26
Chapter 24: By Hook or by Crook 27
Chapter 25: On the Road 28
Chapter 26: The Good Samaritan 29
Chapter 27: I Know Where I Am Going 30
Chapter 28: Making Plans 31
Chapter 29: Chains of Friends 32
Chapter 30: Kind Betrayal 33
Chapter 31: Escaping Again 34
Chapter 32: Call for Help 35
Chapter 33: All’s Well that Ends Well 36
Themes 37
Moral Value 38
Characters 39

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 Chapter 1: At the Doctor’s

Rord and Granda were at Dr Nicol’s 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 Granda’s memory. As soon as they left, Dr Nicol got on
the phone.

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 Chapter 2: Rory’s Homework Jotter

Rory could not find his homework jotter. Granda said he had probably kept it in
Rory’s 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 Rory’s 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.

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 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 Rory’s father. Granda became angry at
the mention of his son. He told Rory that he and Rory’s 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 Rory’s mother. Granda softened when he talked
about Rory’s mother. The memory of Rory’s father leaving the family was still
fresh in Granda’s mind and he became agitated. Rory, who wanted to know
more, had no choice but to calm him down.

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 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. Granda’s 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 Foley’s coat hanging next to Granda’s also
caught fire. The fire alarms went off and everyone was ushered to the
playground. Granda and the rest of Rory’s classmates found the entire incident
funny and exciting but Rory did not. He was looking at Mrs Foley’s expression
that seemed the indicate their troubles were not over.

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 Chapter 5: The Fire
All of Rory’s friends discussed the fire excitedly and exaggerated the incident.
However, Rory was worried about the questions that would be raised about
Granda’s carelessness. Darren’s 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 Granda’s
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 baker’s, 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

8
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 Granda’s room, his knees went weak. All round Granda were
drips and needles and monitors. The oxygen mask on Granda’s face made him
look like an alien. The nurse comforted Rory but Rory only felt reassured by the
warmth of Granda’s 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
children’s home at Castle Street. Rory felt scared. He did not want to go there.
However, he felt that it could be God’s plan for him and Granda. So, he allowed
himself to be driven to the children’s home at Castle Street.

Chapter 7: Children’s Home at Castle Street

9
The children’s 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

10
 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 Granda’s 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, Rory’s 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?

11
 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 Granda’s mug and other familiar things in the flat. He began packing his
clothes ang Granda’s 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 children’s 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

12
 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 Rory’s 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 Granda’s room. They were no nurses round and Rory opened
the door to Granda’s room. He got a shock. Granda’s bed had been stripped and
the room was empty of Granda’s things. His first thought was Granda was dead.

Chapter 11: Where’s Granda?

13
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

14
 Rory had never seen Granda cry, not even when Rory’s 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 children’s 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

15
 Rory began planning his ‘Great Escape’. Darren suggested that Rory and
Granda run to his mother’s 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 Granda’s rucksacks, return to
Granda’s room by the way of the emergency exit and then creep out of the
hospital. They would take the train to the park where Darren’s mother’s 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 Granda’s 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

16
Rory felt God was helping him because everything went smoothly. They crossed
the grounds of Rachnadar and in spite of Granda’s 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 Darren’s mother’s 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 Granda’s 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

17
 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

18
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

19
Rory and Granda immediately began packing their things. Rory double-checked
that he had all Granda’s 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 Rory’s mouth. Rory
panicked but saw it was the man they had met that day. Another man had
clamped Granda’s mouth shut. Softly, the man told Rory that they were going to
help them.

Chapter 18: Kindred Spirits

20
 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
Granda’s 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, Tyrone’s mother understood their situation as social
workers had been interfering in her family too.

Tyrone’s 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

21
 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, Tyrone’s father. Rory apologized for Granda’s
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
member’s 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. Darren’s 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

22
 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, Bernie’s 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 Granda’s, Granda
told Ruby to read Rory’s fortune instead. Ruby took Rory’s 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

25
 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

26
 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.

Granda’s 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

27
Granda woke up and they ate the sandwiches prepared by Ruby. They drove on
and Granda kept playing Frank Sinatra’s 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

28
 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 Granda’s 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 man’s help. The man carried Granda to his flat and introduced himself as
Rab.

Rab switched on the television but Rory was more concerned about Granda’s
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

29
Rab was surprised to hear about Rory’s 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

30
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 Annie’s car and they drove off.

Chapter 29: Chains of Friends

31
 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
cousin’s place. When they arrived at her cousin Norma’s house, Norma
welcomed them warmly. Rory and Granda were overcome by such kindness.
Then, they were introduced to Norma’s 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

32
 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 Nicola’s 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

33
Nicola explained that Norma made the police report because she was concerned
about Granda’s 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 Granda’s 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

34
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 Rory’s father.

Chapter 33: All’s Well that Ends Well

35
 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 father’s 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 Jeff’s house and
went in and out of each other’s 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 Rab’s wedding, and Sammy, Ruby and Tyrone
would be visiting them soon. Darren’s mother had also invited Rory and Granda
to her caravan for a holiday. Granda’s 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.

36
 all
e rs
u
nq
co
v e
Lo De
th ter
e m
w in
ay at
i o ns fo ion
e nt rs p
uc av
in t ce es
o d ss
Go
Hu
m
an
n kin
a dn
r th es
k e s
i c
th ter
is a
od w
o
Bl

37
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

38
 MAIN CHARACTERS

Rory Mclntosh

g
c arin
an d Re
ing sp
o
Lov ns
ibl
e

ing Patient Ap
d pre
rstan c ia
de t iv
Un e

Mr Mclntosh / Granda

Det
e rmi
n ed
le
o v ab
g a nd l
L ovin

Se
lf-c
en
tre
d
a lert
rp and Gallant
Sha

MINOR CHARACTERS

39
 ⇒ Dr Nicol
⇒ Darren Fisher
⇒ Mrs Foley
⇒ Val Jessup
⇒ Sammy, Ruby and Tyrone
⇒ Bernie, Bernie’s wife, Zara and Joshua
⇒ Rab and Annie
⇒ Norma and Nicola
⇒ Jeff Mclntosh

40