Henry Slate didn’t want to leave his home. He glared out of the window wishing he was back in London with his mother. He stared out at the snow-covered fields missing the full, loud cities of London. The room he was sleeping in belonged to her son. He went off to war to fight in Germany. Henry isn’t allowed to bring up the war to Clara. She would just send him back to his room. Sometimes she calls him Arther because that’s the name of her son. Henry would say much of it though. He didn’t want to upset her.

Eventually, had his first day at school had flown past quickly. The teacher was called Mr Val. Very kind he was. He always looked at Henry at the back of the school room. Henry’s writing was very good. Better than most of the children. Henry kept his head down on his work. The other kids chat and gossip but Henry wasn’t like that. But one thing for sure. Once that bell rang he shot out of the classroom like a rocket.

Besides, the weeks went by as fast as a race car and Henry started to carve out a routine. His days were being bored in school and working but after he helped Clara with the kitten and animals in the garden. She drew lots of pictures and so did Henry. He watered the flowers until Clara told him stop.

At midnight, Henry would stare out the window and watch Clara leave Woodlock. He never knew why but he didn’t think too much of it. This happened every night. She always went towards the woods outside of the village.

However, Henry didn’t have to wait long to find out. One night, Clara came into his room and told him to follow her. The darkness casted creatures into his mind. He ran up to Clara to stay safe.

At last, she stopped by a dark eerie cave. Henry peered into it and they both walked inside. When they were looking Henry heard a low, deep growl. Then two eyes appeared. “Meet Sally” whispered Clara. “Shes a bear. I found her when she was a cub.”

Sally glared at Henry and stepped forwards towards him, where Henry stood frozen with fear.