Page 99 of Black and White, Twice the Might

“Our multi-coloured one would have been perfect in here,” Sly says wistfully.

“It would have if it hadn’t been destroyed. We can look for one that’s similar, or even the same,” I tell him.

He nods. “We can. Let’s do the next room.”

After going around the downstairs,we went up and first looked in Xander’s room.

“This is looking good, Xander,” I say, looking around. His bed is in the middle of the room, with his bedside tables on either side. He has built-in bookcase that are filled with his books and collectables. The floor has a deep blue carpet that doesn’t look very old, and the walls are pale blue. His TV is set up on his chest of draws, and his wardrobe is by the side of the window.

“So, what do you need?” Sly asks him.

“Curtains or a blind and lampshades would be helpful,” he replies.

“It would,” I agree, adding that to my list. “Good job, it’s winter and not summertime.”

Xander grins. “Yep, that’s helpful. I’m not sure what else yet. I need to see how things go.”

“Okay,” Sly replies. “Did any of your boxes get destroyed?”

When we rescued the boys, Sly packed a backpack for them, and we left, leaving the rest of their things behind. I took them shopping the next day to replace everything, some of which went into storage.

“Some games and books, but nothing essential.”

I nod. “Okay, but keep a list of things you need.”

“Will do,” Xander replies, as we walk out of his room and into Enoch’s.

“Looking good in here as well, Enoch,” Sly says, turning in a circle.

Like Xander, he has built-in shelves, and his bed is pushed against one wall. His wardrobe is by the side wall next to his desk. The carpet is a deep purple colour and again looks quite new. The wall by the bed is deep purple; the others are lighter.

“Do you need anything apart from curtains or a blind?” I ask, there isn’t much in here in the way of his possessions.

“Some stuff. A few of my boxes were destroyed,” he says.

“Sorry, Enoch, I’ll replace everything that was destroyed,” Sly tells him, looking troubled.

“It wasn’t your fault,” Enoch points out, patting his arm.

“Still, make a list of everything you need,” he replies.

Enoch nods, then smiles. “Do you want to see our secret den?”

“Of course,” he replies, grinning.

“Come on.” He walks to a smaller door and opens it. We follow him in, but we have to bend over to get through the door.

This room is massive, easily double bedroom-sized, with a large window allowing daylight in. All that is currently in here is their game system.

“Nice,” I say to them. “Make a list of what you want in here and we’ll get it for you.”

“The only way into this room is through Enoch’s,” Xander says.

“Secret rooms usually only have one way in. We can get Jude to check one of the walls to see if we can put in another door, if you want,” Sly offers.

“Yeah, then Xander can come in here if I’m asleep,” Enoch adds.

“And on that happy note, I’m off to make us dinner for the first time in our own home,” Sly says, walking happily out.