Soccer Shadows: Part 6

By ROB CHILDS

Tom stared at the ground in puzzlement for several seconds. His own shadow stretched out in front of him, making it look as if he were twice as tall. But next to that, he could see only the swaying shape of an empty swing.

'That's funny ...' he began, raising his head, and then stopped.

He found he was talking to himself.

Next morning, Tom dribbled a ball along the beach towards where three boys were waiting for him. They were all wearing black trunks and dripping wet.

'Been for a swim?' he said in greeting. 'Bet the water's cold.'

'Never noticed,' Leo replied with a shrug.

'Where did you go yesterday? You just seemed to vanish into thin air.'

'Had things to do,' he said simply by way of explanation.

'You could at least have said cheerio.'

'No need. I'm back now, aren't I - like we arranged.'

Publisher: Barrington Stoke

Price: $14.95

Age group: 8-13 years


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