Chapter 4- The Return

Not paying attention to the creepy voice that rang In her ears, Layla passed where she was sure the door must’ve been standing. There was no door but there was a deep dark tunnel that had been hidden inside the mountains, covered in ivy.

As she broke it away, she looked into the tunnel and saw a light that Shon at the end. Peering into the gloomy tunnel, where she could just see what had looked like the shape of a door surrounded by a light.

Immediately, she entered the tunnel, Layla had expected it to be damp and cold but it was surprisingly warm. Last summer, she worked in caving. Mr Simons said she was the best working caver and could crawl through small spaces without getting scared and was really brave. She could hear footsteps approaching, she took a deep breath and ran.

Over and over, through the dark murky tunnel towards the outline of the floor at the end of the tunnel. Her heart came as short and fast beats making her break out into a cold sweat. Desperately she needed a gasp of cold air. Grasping the door handle, she tugged. With a whoosh, as if the tunnel was closing up on itself. She shot through the door and into the corridor. The corridor was silent. She wasn’t back in the emporium but really none the wiser

What had happened?

Carefully, she walked back, crept though the corridor and back into the shop. Mr Manifold turned to look at her.

“Ah, I see you have come back to us. Did you find what you were looking for?” Layla shook her head.

“The thing is,” Mr Manifold explained “You can visit many wonders

But the past cannot be undone, so we do not always find what we expect. Still there is always another day.”

He put down the tea set he was polishing and smiled.

“Come again another day.” He said holding the door open. Layla eagerly bounced out into the streets, and with a sudden gasp she realised she wanted to find out more about the emporium. She quickly turned around and didn’t see Mr Manifold or the Emporium, it was like it had disappeared right in front of her eyes.

Maybe tomorrow, she thought to herself as she trudged home.

What she did not realise was that she was being followed by a sapphire bird. It scammed from building to building, when Layla finally reached home the bird perched on a nearby fence and tilted its head, and waited for the right time.