The Sky is Falling Read Online Free PDF Page A

lucky girl, to see the world!” said Norah’s headmaster. “You must observe everything carefully.”
    â€œYou’ll have to be a little mother to Gavin now,” Joey’s mum clucked at her.
    Norah was told to dress warmly, not to pick up Canadian slang and to remember she was English. And again and again she heard the words, “Take care of Gavin.”
    Gavin told everyone that Creature was excited about going on a train and a ship. That was as much as he seemed to grasp. “They’re sending us away!” Norah wanted to shout. But there was no point in upsetting him.
    Grandad glowered at the visitors from a corner of the kitchen, where he sat with his pipe and newspaper. He was allowed to sulk; Norah had to be polite and submit to all the kissing, patting and advice.
    Not all the neighbours approved. “I couldn’t send my children so far away,” whispered Mrs. Baker to Mrs. Maybourne. “What about German torpedoes—have they considered that?”
    â€œShhhh!” her husband warned, with a glance at Norah, who was getting used to pretending she didn’t hear things.
    Why couldn’t Mrs. Baker tell that to Mum and Dad? But Grandad had mentioned it too, and Dad said that staying in England was a greater risk than U-boats.
    I N CHURCH THE NEXT DAY the Smith girls waved at Norah importantly, as if their shared fate made them allies.
    â€œThe last hymn is for our five young travellers who are about to start on a great adventure,” announced Reverend Smith. “Number 301”. His eyes glistened as he gazed at his three children in the front pew.
    â€œO hear us when we cry to thee / For those in peril on the sea,” droned the congregation.
    â€œHow could he!” hissed Norah’s mother. She refused to sing and glared at the vicar, whom she had never liked.
    Norah could sense the whole churchful of sympathetic eyes fastened on her back. She gripped her hymn book and sang without thinking of the words.
    After church, more people milled around the door to say goodbye. Dulcie and Lucy, dressed alike as usual, skipped over. Dulcie, who often acted afraid of Norah, was unusually forward. “Oh, Norah, isn’t it exciting! I’m so glad we’re going where it’s safe. I wish Mummy and Daddy could come too, but they have to stay and help win the war.”
    â€œ We should be staying to help win the war,” said Norah coldly.
    â€œBut we’re not old enough! Daddy says children are better out of the way.”
    â€œNot old enough”: that’s what Norah’s sisters had said to her all her life. Even after Gavin had arrived, she had had to spend a lot of time proving she was old enough. She scowled at Dulcie, who had always reminded her of a calf, with her mild, bulging eyes and dull expression. Just because they were stuck together on this journey, it would never do to let Dulcie think they were going to be friends.
    â€œAre you bringing all your dolls with you, Goosey?” Norah taunted.
    Dulcie wilted at the familiar nickname, the way she did at school. Norah felt as guilty as she always did when she teased her. The guilt made her even more irritated.
    â€œThank you, we would appreciate a ride into town,” Mum was saying to Mrs. Smith. “Are you sure you can spare the petrol? Come along, Norah, we still have a lot of packing to do.”
    E VERYONE AT CHURCH had commented on the unusually calm sky. But the air-raid siren sounded right in the middle of Sunday dinner. Dad rushed off and Mum made them all go into the shelter in the garden.
    â€œCan’t I watch?” begged Norah. “It might be the last fight I see.”
    â€œNot after that German plane,” said Mum grimly.
    Norah and Grandad peeked out of the low entrance of the corrugated steel structure while Mum read to Gavin on one of the narrow bunks. Grandad had hardly spoken since Saturday morning, but he squeezed Norah’s