Strange Machine

An odd  parcel arrived today, it was big and bulky with a handle poking out the side. Curiously I opened it up wondering what it could be. First a small wooden tube appeared which led to lots of little cogs all joined together. As I took off the last piece of bubble wrap I spotted the initials D.G which stood for Dave Guttle my lost uncle. "It's something from my uncle" I yelled " Pardon dear" said Mum from down stairs " Oh nothing" I replied knowing that Mum thought Uncle Dave was a bit of a weirdo.

As I inspected the odd present again I realised it was a machine, an old rusty copper machine with lots of levers,buttons,swishy things,sliding things,pistons,pipes and valves all glued,slotted,screwed and bolted together to make this interesting contraption.

Though what was it for? How did it work? And why had my uncle sent this to me? I had many questions and I had to tell somebody but who? This might be able to solve the mystery of my missing uncle though who could I tell? My mum,no,dad,no and I didn't have any friends. I would just have to solve this myself.

Suddenly the machine started clanking and rumbling-it looked like it was going to fall over.Then it stopped and out popped a small piece of paper. I picked it up carefully to see if I could find the initials anywhere but I could not find them.

The peace of paper looked like a little world with half of it chopped down the middle. I could see lions and elephants prowling the land with peaceful zebras sipping from the clean blue water hole. Everything was so clear. And then it hit me-things were getting closer. I glanced over to the other side of the world, big skyscrapers stood tall and proud among the dull,grey apartments. I wondered if I was seeing things. I slapped myself, no it was real.

I reached out to touch the paper but my hand went right through it! I went back to the machine , placed my hand firmly on the lever and pulled it down. The machine rumbled and growled, then it stopped and out popped a small round dish. Suddenly, my room spun around me and I hurtled into the map.

I woke up in a cold alleyway.
"He's awake boss" said somebody gruffly "Bring him to me" said a cold voice "NOW!"
To be continued......`

Stories with James Norcliffe

By the Sea

I sprint across the beach dodging the sharp twigs. I look out and see people screaming as they splash amongst the waves. I wish I was them but I forgot my togs and no way am I going to be seen wearing mum's pink baggy swimming suit. I spot canoes and ships trying to dock by the old broken wharf as the kids watch contentedly from the shore.

Tsunami! (Guess who I am)

I am swimming along waiting for the perfect wave when I feel an odd vibration, one that I haven’t felt before, wait a Tsunami! I watch for a short time as it rolls closer and closer, I have got to warn my family. I hear sirens and people screaming from shore, come on I have got to get back home. Suddenly a huge swarm of fish come my way and they are all heading towards the tsunami. I spot my family and get their attention. We follow the others just as the tsunami rolls over us, flipping me into the air. My fins relax as I dive back into the water. AHHH paradise.

Confused Pillow

I just don’t understand why I have to lie here all day when Miss Perfect Pink Shoes over there gets to got all over the place. I just don’t get it, anyway the only place I have been was picking nose Peter’s house. They only used me for pillow fighting but that’s just cruel if you ask me. I used get on with picking nose Peter’s pillow until I accidentally popped him. AHHH I just don’t understand. I never signed up for this.