How to use "you" in a sentence

'Why don't you come with us?' she asks

I'll meet you after for a drink.'

In seconds, the water can throw you against the canyon walls and kill you

Stupid, Aron, stupid! When you first stood on the rock, it moved

That was a clear message to stay away! But you were in such a hurry to finish the hike you didn't stop and check.

Thank you.'

It will soon be all you have to drink.

Could you call me right away if he gets back?'

Now look what you've done! Says the first voice.

Do you know where he went? No one here has seen him since last Wednesday.'

'I think you should call the Aspen police.'

I'll let you know what happens.'

'Thank you, Brion.'

Did you say 886, Mrs Ralston?'

We've found the truck you're looking for

The video ends with three simple words: 'I love you.'

What have you done now? asks the first voice.

That won't be long if you don't start walking

'The police at the carpark told us about you,' he says.

'Are you Aron Ralston?' he asks.

'Thank you, Eric,' I say

'We're taking you to the hospital in Moab,' he replies.

'You mean you're not in shock already?'

'Look, do you want this for the pain or not?'

Hope you have enjoyed the reading!

"Sir, are you all right, sir?" Thank God, it was my faithful assistant Conseil.

"Conseil, my boy, what are you doing here?"

"When I saw you fall into the water, sir, I felt it was my duty to follow you."

"But why did you risk your life to save mine?"

"Oh, thank you

"Did you fall into the water too?"

Do you hear me? I want out!"

As usual, you speak with your mind and not your heart."

It is I who should be angry with you."

You will stay here with me, but you will have the same freedom everyone else on the ship has."

"That means that you are free to sec all the wonderful things under the sea

I am saying, gentlemen, that you are very lucky!"

"Mr Land, you gave me no choice

Now, you must do what I say."

"Professor, may I show you something?"

"Captain, did you hear me?"

"Professor, I want you to go below

You, Mr Land, and Mr Conseil will stay in your rooms until I say you can leave."

"Professor, do you know anything about medicine?"

"Do you mean, am I a doctor?"

Could you have a look at him?"

"I think you're both wrong

"Would you like to go pearl fishing? This is the richest part of the world to fish for pearls."

Thank you."

I didn't do it for you."

Do you agree?"

Only tell me when you are ready."

"I have a little surprise for you, Professor."

"Come Professor, you don't believe that, do you?"

"Didn't you do the same for me?"

"I want you to talk to the Captain, Professor

If you don't speak to him, I'm going to do it myself."

I came to speak to you."

The men and I need to know what you plan to do with us."

"I already told you."

"Captain, you can't expect us to stay on this ship for ever!"

"Professor, you found me

I did not find you

"Professor, I want you to go to your room."

"I want all three of you to go to your rooms, now!" The ship came closer

"Can you see land?"

If anyone stops you, kill them." Ned Land put a fishing knife in my hand and left the room, I looked around one more time

Hope you have enjoyed the reading!

'What's Dinah doing? Will they remember her milk tonight? Oh, Dinah! Why aren't you here with me? Perhaps there's a mouse here and you can eat it!'

It isn't going to help you

'Goodbye, feet! Who will put your shoes on for you now? I can't do it! I'll give you some new shoes for Christmas

I'll have to send them to you!'

'Do you know the way out of this room?' The Mouse didn't answer.

You're a mouse, so you don't like cats.'

But I think you will like Dinah

'Perhaps - perhaps you like dogs? There's a very nice little dog near our house

'I'll talk to you, but let's get out of the water.'

'I can tell you,' said the Dodo,' but I won't

I'll show you! That will be easier.'

'But Alice has to have something, you know,' said the Mouse.

'What can you have?' he asked.

'What are you doing out here, Mary Ann?' he asked angrily

'Mary Ann, Mary Ann! Where are you? Bring me my hat!' The words came from the garden, outside the window

'Oh no, you won't,' thought Alice

'Pat, Pat, where are you? Come here!' shouted the Rabbit.

Then it said slowly, 'Who are you?'

'What do you mean?' the Caterpillar asked.

'I'll try and tell you,' said Alice

'Well, perhaps it's not difficult for you, but it is for me,' said Alice.

'For you? Who are you?' said the Caterpillar and laughed

She stood very tall and said, 'I will tell you, but first, you tell me

Who are you?'

'Why do I have to tell you?' asked the Caterpillar.

'I want to tell you something important.' Alice turned and came back again.

It did not speak for some minutes, then it said, 'So you're different, are you?'

'So you can't remember things,' said the Caterpillar

So why do you often stand on your head -

Do you think at your age it is right?'

But you jump up and down and turn round and round,

Then it asked, 'What size would you like to be?'

'It's a good size for you, but not for me,' said Alice

'Eat from my mushroom and you'll get bigger

Eat from that brown mushroom there and you'll get smaller,' it said

'Here, you can have it now,' site said

'Please, can you help me? I want to go somewhere new,' said Alice.

'Where do you want to go?' asked the Cat.

Then it said, 'Walk that way and you'll come to a house

It said, 'Walk this way and you'll find the March Hare

'But I told you, I don't want to meet strange animals.'

'Oh, you can't help that,' said the cat

'How do you know I'm strange?' asked Alice.

'Of course you are,' the Cat said

Are you going to see the Queen today? She's quite strange too?'

'Did you say "pig"?' asked the Cat.

Then she said, 'Cheshire Cat, one minute you vanish and the next minute you're there again

When they saw Alice, they cried, 'No, no, you can't sit here! There isn't a place for you!'

'Then why did you say, "Have some wine"? It wasn't very polite of you,' Alice said angrily.

'We didn't invite you to tea, but you came

That wasn't very polite of you,' said the March Hare.

'Yes, but you put it in with the bread knife

He took it out and looked at it again.' It was the best butter, you know,' he repeated.

'It tells you the day, but it doesn't tell you the time.'

'So? Does your watch tell you the year?' asked the Mad Hatter.

'I don't really understand you,' she said politely

'Don't you wash the cups?' asked Alice.

'Time was my friend, you see

'Thank you, but I haven't got any tea

'What are you doing?' she asked.

'Well, you see, M - M - Madam,' said Two

'Did you say, "Oh no!"?' asked the White Rabbit.

'The Queen will hear you, she hears everything

'How are you?' the Cheshire Cat asked.

'Do you like the Queen?' the Cat asked.

'Who are you talking to?' he asked.

'Well, I don't like you,' said the Cat.

'Oh yes you are,' said the King

'It's got a head, so you can cut it off.'

'What do you think?' the King asked Alice.

'Come for a walk, you dear thing,' the Duchess said to Alice

'Are you thinking?' asked the Duchess

'You have to talk to me, you know.'

'Why did you call me? I wanted to finish my tea,' he said.

'When did you begin your tea?' asked the King.

'Oh, so you took it from somebody, you bad man,' said the King.

'Yes, but not as fast as you,' said the Mouse

'What do you know about these tarts?' he asked

Then the King asked, 'What do you know about these tarts?'

'Who's afraid of you? I'm not

Hope you have enjoyed the reading!

'What school do you go to?' he asked.

'Do you ever play football?' he asked.

And who do you think I saw in the school cafe? Jenny Curran! She was all grown-up now, with pretty black hair, long legs, and a beautiful face

'Where are you from?' he asked.

'If you're an idiot,' he said, angrily, 'how do you know how to do that?'

After several minutes, Bubba was getting really excited and saying, 'Good, good, good!' Then he asked, 'Where did you learn to play like that?'

'I saw you play football yesterday,' she said

Why don't you come and listen?'

'Forrest, where did you learn to play that thing?'

'Forrest,' he said, 'all year we have secretly taught you to catch the ball and run with it

Now you're going to run like a wild animal

One day, the cook was ill, and somebody said, 'Gump, you're going to be the cook today.'

'Just put everything that you see in the food cupboard into a big pot and cook it.'

'Do what you like,' they said.

I put everything in it, and after about an hour you could smell the cooking

And who do you think one of them was? It was Bubba!

He looked up at me, and said, 'Forrest, why did this happen?' What could I say? Then he said, 'Play me a song on the harmonica, will you?'

'Where do you get them?' I asked him.

Then one day I got back to the hospital and a Colonel Gooch said, 'Gump, we're going back to America together! You're going to see the President of the United States, and he's going to give you a medal because you were very brave.'

She looked at him and said, 'I won't get you anything - not as much as a glass of warm river-water, you pig!' Then she looked at me and said, 'And how many babies have you killed today, you big ape?'

'Do you want to watch TV?' the President asked suddenly.

Later, when we were back in the garden, the President said, 'You were hurt, weren't you, boy? Well, look at this...' And he pulled up his shirt and showed me the place on his stomach where he was hurt once

'Where were you hurt?' he asked me.

'Gump, you idiot!' shouted Colonel Gooch.

'Where do you live?' I asked.

But the next minute we were kissing and making love! And when we finished, Jenny said, 'Forrest, where have you been all this time?'

But - you've guessed it - something went wrong.

Then she said, 'Oh, no! Not you, too!'

Suddenly Jenny said, 'Did you know that Forrest won a medal?'

'I want you to do something for me.'

I want you to come with us today, and I want you to wear your army clothes.'

'Because you're going to do something to stop all the killing in Vietnam.'

You can guess what I had to do, can't you? I had to throw away my medal with the other American soldiers

And that was important, as you will see later.

'Do you have a telephone number, or anything?' I asked.

Why don't you wait at the side of the factory? It's almost lunch-time, and she'll probably come out.' So I did.

She just said, 'Forrest, it has to be you.'

'Why don't you wait for me in that bar across the street? Then I'll take you to my place.'

How? I'll tell you.

'I saw you on TV when you went up into space, Forrest,' she said.

'I can teach you.'

It isn't honest, and I cannot go on with you like this

I watched you grow up big and strong and good

And then, in Boston, I realized that I loved you, and I was the happiest girl in the world

Then you went up into space and I lost you for four years, and I think you changed

Then I said, 'If you make that move, you'll lose your queen.'

He didn't look up but, after a minute, he said, 'Perhaps you're right.'

It was time for me to get back to the bus station, but when I started to leave, the old man said, 'Why don't you sit down and finish this game with me?'

'Just who are you?' he said after the game.

'Where did you learn to play chess?' he asked.

'Aren't you in the tournament?' he asked.

'Are you an actor?' he asked me

'You are a big, strong man, aren't you?' he said

But who do you think we met there? Sue, the ape! He was in another film!

'Forrest,' said Mr Tribble, 'You're a wonderful chess player, but I never know what's going to happen next! Here's half of the money that you've won - it's almost five thousand dollars

Take Sue back to Alabama with you, and start your shrimp business.' He shook my hand and gave me his address

'Oh, Forrest,' she said, 'you're home at last!'

Didn't you know?' she said

The business was doing well, but I asked myself, 'What are you doing all this for?' And I knew that I had to get away.

'Why don't you tell everybody that you're taking a long holiday, Forrest?' he said

'The business will be here when you want it again.'

'Where do you want to go?' the woman in the ticket office asked.

'Why don't you go to Savannah?' she said

'Oh, Forrest, I knew it was you when I heard that harmonica

Nobody plays the harmonica like you do.'

'What are you doing here?' I asked her.

'Why are you playing your harmonica in the park?' asked Jenny

'Mom wrote and told me about your shrimp business, and how rich you were.'

'What do you call him?'

'Are you sure that he's mine?' I asked.

'Forrest, I want you to meet another Forrest

'What a funny animal you've got,' he said.

'Your Mom tells me that you want to be a football player.'

'Do you know anything about football?'

Hope you have enjoyed the reading!

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations

Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells

And some of you have come from areas where your quest - quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality

Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends

Fellow citizens of the United States: in compliance with a custom as old as the government itself, I appear before you to address you briefly and to take, in your presence, the oath prescribed by the Constitution of the United States, to be taken by the President "before he enters on the execution of his office."

It is found in nearly all the published speeches of him who now addresses you

Before entering upon so grave a matter as the destruction of our national fabric, with all its benefits, its memories, and its hopes, would it not be wise to ascertain precisely why we do it? Will you hazard so desperate a step while there is any possibility that any portion of the ills you fly from have no real existence? Will you, while the certain ills you fly to are greater than all the real ones you fly from - will you risk the commission of so fearful a mistake?

Think if you can, of a single instance in which a plainly written provision of the Constitution has ever been denied

Is it possible, then, to make that intercourse more advantageous or more satisfactory after separation than before? Can aliens make treaties easier than friends can make laws? Can treaties be more faithfully enforced between aliens than laws can among friends? Suppose you go to war, you cannot fight always; and when, after much loss on both sides, and no gain on either, you cease fighting, the identical old questions as to terms of intercourse are again upon you.

If there be an object to HURRY any of you in hot haste to a step which you would never take DELIBERATELY, that object will be frustrated by taking time; but no good object can be frustrated by it.

Such of you as are now dissatisfied, still have the old Constitution unimpaired, and, on the sensitive point, the laws of your own framing under it; while the new administration will have no immediate power, if it would, to change either

If it were admitted that you who are dissatisfied hold the right side in the dispute, there still is no single good reason for precipitate action

What is this non-cooperation, about which you have heard much, and why do we want to offer this non-cooperation?

I tell you that while my friend believes also in the doctrine of violence and has adopted the doctrine of non-violence as a weapon of the weak, I believe in the doctrine of non-violence as a weapon of the strongest

I ask further, is it unconstitutional for me to say to the British Government "I refuse to serve you"? Is it unconstitutional for our worthy Chairman to return with every respect all the titles that he has ever held from the Government? Is it unconstitutional for any parent to withdraw his children from a Government or aided school? Is it unconstitutional for a lawyer to say "I shall no longer support the arm of the law so long as that arm of law is used not to raise me but to debase me"? Is it unconstitutional for a civil servant or for a judge to say, "I refuse to serve a Government which does not wish to respect the wishes of the whole people"?

I ask, is it unconstitutional for a policeman or for a soldier to tender his resignation when he knows that he is called to serve a Government which traduces his own countrymen? Is it unconstitutional for me to go to the agriculturist and say to him "it's not wise for you to pay any taxes, if these taxes are used by the Government not to raise you but to weaken you?" I hold and I venture to submit, that there is nothing unconstitutional in it

I say to my countrymen so long as you have a sense of honour and so long as you wish to remain the descendants and defenders of the noble traditions that have been handed to you for generations after generations; it is unconstitutional for you not to non-cooperate and unconstitutional for you to cooperate with a Government which has become so unjust as our Government has become.

Cooperation is a duty only so long as Government protects your honour, and non-cooperation is an equal duty when the Government, instead of protecting, robs you of your honour

And I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.

For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.

Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.

My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you

Hope you have enjoyed the reading!

'I thought you knew Mr Sampson already,' our host said.

'Did you come to the office to take out an insurance policy?' I asked Mr Slinkton politely

People often change their minds, don't you think, Mr Sampson?'

But did you know Mr Meltham?' I asked.

'Have you heard why Mr Meltham left his business?' I asked.

I have two nieces, you see

His family are worried about him, you see

He's just been telling me what pleasure you both give him

He says it's obvious that you are very fond of one another.'

'We are alone, you know - since Margaret died.' Miss Niner looked sad at her uncle's words

'Miss Niner.' I said urgently, 'I have something to tell you

'Mr Sampson, may I ask you something?' he suddenly enquired

'Come on, boil the brandy the way you usually do!'

'Give me what you always give me for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Boil the brandy, I tell you!'

'I'll tell you the truth.'

I know all about you.'

But you won't be able to prove that, you know

'You're a rogue, Slinkton, and I've caught you! I took these rooms on purpose, just to catch you

I pretended to be a drunkard in order to catch you and I've done it

You see, the last time you went to see Mr Sampson, I had already been to see him myself - I went to his house very early that morning

We know what you were planning

You thought you could kill me for the two thousand pounds of the insurance policy, didn't you? You wanted to kill me with brandy, didn't you? But you wanted me to die quickly

That's why you also gave me small amounts of poison.' Mr Slinkton was surprised by Beckwith's behaviour

'I knew what kind of man you are, you see

And now you're slowly killing another one.'

'Think how stupid you really are!' Beckwith continued

You never knew that I came into your room at night when you were asleep

It's got all the information about the poisons that you use

'Then you're a thief,' Slinkton told him calmly

'I've watched you all the time,' Beckwith said

'I knew that you were poisoning Miss Niner

I can give you news about him - I am Meltham!' he announced triumphantly.

I could not save her - but I promised to pursue you to the end

'I've hunted you down, Slinkton.'

You will see me again when you answer the charge of murder in court

And I hope you see me in your imagination - when they put the rope around your neck and the crowd cries out for your death!'

Hope you have enjoyed the reading!

Mrs Darrell heard the man say, 'Will you?' and the woman reply, 'Yes'

'Don't you worry about me,' replied Catherine

Hutchinson's statement begins, 'About 2.00 a.m., 9th, I met the murdered woman, Kelly, and she said to me, "Hutchinson, will you lend me sixpence?"' So he and Mary knew each other

The letter was signed 'Catch me if you can

Hope you have enjoyed the reading!

'What can I do for you, Monsieur?' he asked without looking up.

Then, seeing the visitors rough appearance, he added, 'If you can pay for it.'

'Then you're welcome,' the innkeeper said.

I know who you are

I can't serve people like you here.'

'What are you doing?' she asked.

He answered angrily, 'Can't you see? I'm trying to sleep.'

'Why don't you go to an inn?'

Then she said, 'Have you tried everywhere?'

'Did you hear what Mme Magloire was saying?'

If you like, I can make arrangements now to get a lock put on the door

Will you let me stay?'

'Mme Magloire,' said the bishop, 'will you please prepare another place at the table for this gentleman?'

'No, you don't understand,' he said

'Mme Magloire,' the bishop went on, 'you must put clean sheets on the bed in the spare room.'

'You'll let me stay? I'm a dangerous criminal, but you called me "Monsieur"

May I ask your name, sir? Are you an innkeeper?'

After dinner, the bishop said goodnight to his sister, picked up one of the two candlesticks and, handing the other to his guest, said, 'I'll show you to your room, Monsieur.'

'Before you leave tomorrow, you must have a bowl of warm milk from our cows.'

'Monseigneur, do you know where the silver-basket is?'

'Oh, you're worried about the silver? I don't know where that is.'

'I'm delighted to see you again, dear friend,' he said

'But what about the candlesticks? I gave you those as well, don't you remember? They're silver like the rest, and worth at least two hundred francs

Did you forget to take them?'

'And he told you,' the bishop finished the sentence for him, 'that an old priest had given it to him? Yes, he was telling the truth.'

So you can let him go at once.'

'But this time, you mustn't forget your candlesticks.'

The bishop walked up to him and said in a low voice, 'Don't forget that you've promised to use the money to make yourself an honest man.'

'Have you seen a boy go by?' he asked.

Why do you ask?'

Monsieur, you must report me to the police

Here, let me give you more money

'Thank you,' said the woman

'Why don't you sit down for a minute? You look tired

She took Mme Thenardiers hand and said, 'Will you look after my daughter for me?'

Will you do that for me? I could pay six francs a month.'

'Then we agree to look after her for you,' he said.

I'm proud of you

'How much will you give me for it?' Fantine asked.

'If you sold me your two front teeth, I'd pay you forty francs.'

'I lost my job because of you

And now I've just seen her spit at you, the mayor of our town

'I heard what you said,' M

'I honestly didn't know that you had lost your job, but I'll try to help you now

I'll pay your debts and arrange for your child to return to you

I'll give you all the money you need

I'll make you happy again

And I promise that, in the eyes of God, you have never been a bad woman.'

'What are you talking about?'

'I've treated you unjustly

I was angry with you six weeks ago when you told me to release that woman

I wrote to the police headquarters in Paris and told them about you.'

Madeleine, but I believed you were a man called Jean Valjean

When you arrived in Montreuil, I felt sure that you were this man, but now I know I was wrong, and I'm sorry

If he's found guilty of stealing from the bishop - who, as you know, died a couple of years ago - and of robbing the small boy, he'll spend the rest of his life in prison.'

'I'm sure you have other work to do.'

'But after this conversation, you must dismiss me.'

'Javert,' he said, 'you're an honourable man

I want you to continue your excellent work as inspector of police.'

'It will destroy her if she doesn't see her child now, after you promised to bring her.'

First you must get well.'

'He hasn't come for you.' Then, gently rising from his chair, he moved towards Javert

'I know what you've come for,' he said quietly so that Fantine wouldn't hear

I'll pay anything you like.'

'Do you think I'm stupid?' Javert gave an unpleasant laugh

'Three days to escape, you mean.'

'Be quiet, you dirty prostitute,' Javert interrupted her angrily

This man's name is Jean Valjean, and he's a criminal no better than you are

And you can forget all that nonsense about your child.

'If you don't come with me now, I'll have to call my men.'

'What took you so long?' Mme Thenardier said angrily when she saw the little girl.

But before she could start her knitting, she heard Mme Thenardier's angry voice demanding, 'Where's the bread I told you to get?'

'Can't you see?' Mme Thenardier said, red with anger

'It's for you.'

That child, for instance - you've no idea how much she costs

'What would you say,' the old man said after a moment's thought, 'if I offered to take the child from you?'

'How much do you need?' the old man asked, taking an old leather wallet from the pocket of his coat.

Finally, she asked him, 'Do you want me to sweep the floor?'

'I just want you to enjoy yourself.'

'Thank you,' the officer whispered

'And you must remember mine

'If you want to keep your son, Marius, I'll give you no money

But if you give the boy to me, and promise never to see him again, I'll look after him.'

If you ever find this man, I want you to help him in any way you can.

They'd be good for you, Marius

Otherwise you'll turn into a priest!'

'Do you know who they are?' Marius asked him one day.

He stared fiercely at him and said, 'So, it's you again! I was right

'What can I do for you, Mademoiselle?' he asked.

'I've got a letter for you, M

My warm-hearted neighbour, I have heard of how you kindly paid my rent for me six months ago

I thank you for it

But my eldest daughter will tell you that my wife is sick and none of us have had any food for four days

Look, I'll show you.'

Picking up a pen that lay on the table, she wrote on a piece of paper, Be careful! The police are coming! She showed Marius her work and then, changing the subject quickly, for no reason at all, she gazed into his eyes and said shyly, 'Do you know, M

Marius, that you're a very handsome boy?'

Marius, but I know you

I see you on the stairs, and I see you walking around the streets, looking so sad and alone.'

He moved away from the girl's touch and said, 'I think, Mademoiselle, that I have something belonging to you.' He handed her the parcel of letters.

She clapped her hands and cried, 'We've been looking for that everywhere! How did you know they were mine? Of course, the handwriting

I ran ahead to tell you he'll be here in two minutes.'

When he sees how miserable we are, he'll give us a lot of money, you'll see.'

'Monsieur, you will find some woollen stockings and blankets in the parcel,' M

'But as you can see, we are unfortunate in many ways

'But I'll take my daughter home and come back this evening with more money for you.'

'So it's you again,' he said almost fiercely

'What do you want now?'

'What do you want?' Marius repeated angrily.

Marius,' she said at last, a faint light in her sad eyes, 'you seem upset

'You aren't rich, but you were generous this morning

You've been kind to us - now I want to be kind to you

Moving closer to her, he said, 'Do you know the address of those people who've just left your room?'

'Can you find out for me?'

'Is that what you want?' she said, a disappointed look on her face.

'What will you give me?' she said at last.

'Anything you want.'

'I tell you I'm sure.' Jondrette was speaking to his wife

'Are you sure?'

I'm surprised you didn't.'

Straightening up, he said, 'Now do you recognize her?'

'Are you sure? That's impossible!' she cried

'I tell you, it's the same girl

And I'll tell you another thing

'What do you mean?'

'What will you do if he doesn't give you more money?'

'Are you the chief of police?' Marius asked.

Now, what do you want?'

'Take these with you,' the inspector went on, producing two small guns

When you think it's getting dangerous, shoot one of these guns

'And you're sure he's not in next door?'

'Now, you two must go and keep guard in the street, one by the gate, one at the street corner.'

'Tomorrow you'll have fur boots!' her father called out after her.

What do you think it's worth?'

'You don't recognize me, do you?' he said in a loud, clear voice.

'You still don't recognize me, do you?'

Now do you recognize me?'

'Do you remember the little inn in Montfermeil eight years ago? You took away our Cosette, do you remember? Wearing that old yellow coat, pretending you were a tramp! Well, now you're going to learn that you can't make things right by just bringing a few hospital blankets! You're the cause of all my troubles

For 1500 francs you took away a girl who was bringing me lots of money.'

'I don't know what you're talking about,' M

'I don't know who you are, but I know what you are

'That's what you rich people call people like me, isn't it? Just because I've failed in business

I was a war hero, you know - I saved an officer's life at Waterloo! And you call me a criminal! Well, I'm going to teach you a lesson.'

I realize that you don't have the money with you now, but I want you to write a letter

I'll tell you what to say.'

I need you urgently.

The person who gives you this note will bring you to me

Then he turned to the prisoner and said in a slow, threatening voice, 'What did you hope to gain by giving me a false name and address?'

'I'm not afraid of you,' he said

'But neither should you fear me.'

There are five of you, and fifteen of us

'So at last I've found you,' she finally said

'I've been looking for you everywhere

But why are you wearing that dirty old hat? 'When Marius gave no answer, she went on, 'And you've got a hole in your shirt

I'll mend it for you

A young man like you ought to be nicely dressed.'

Marius still said nothing, and after a moments pause she said, 'You don't seem very glad to see me, but I could make you look happy if I wanted to!'

'What do you mean?'

'I'm sorry, but what do you mean?'

'The address you wanted me to find out

The young lady, you know...' Her voice sank into a sigh.

'But you must promise me,' he said, 'that you'll never tell your father the address.'

They had only gone a few steps when Eponine stopped and said, 'You remember you promised me something?'

Do you recognize me? You mustn't be afraid

It's a long time ago, but do you remember the day when you first looked at me - in the Luxembourg Gardens? And the day you walked past me? Those things happened nearly a year ago

Forgive me for talking like this, I don't know what I'm saying - perhaps I'm annoying you? But the truth is, I can't live without you.'

Aware of the shape of the notebook under her dress, he said, 'So, you've read my notebook

Do you love me, too?'

'How lovely you are,' Marius would sigh

I love you so much.'

To which Cosette would reply, 'I love you more with every minute that passes.'

He replied, in a voice so low that she could hardly hear it, 'I don't understand what you mean.'

Marius rose to his feet and said coldly, 'Cosette, are you going?'

'So you're leaving me.'

'Oh, Marius, why are you being so cruel to me?'

'If we go, you must come too

I'll tell you where, and you must meet me there, wherever it is.'

'Are you crazy? You need money to go to England, and I haven't got any

I haven't told you, Cosette, but I'm a poor man

'I cannot let you leave me

I promise you that if you leave me, I shall die

'A whole day without seeing you! That's unbearable!'

'But what are you going to do?'

I'll tell you then

But until then, I must give you my address

'Where are you going tomorrow evening? I won't be able to sleep if you don't tell me.'

'Well, I'll pray for you to succeed and I'll never stop thinking about you

I'll ask no more questions, but you must promise to be here early the day after tomorrow

At last! After four years! Was it really him? He wanted to open his arms and hug him, but all he said was, 'What have you come for?'

'I can't hear you,' the old man said, looking annoyed

'Have you come to apologize? Do you now see that you were wrong?'

'Well then,' the old man shouted, 'what do you want?'

'Monsieur, I ask you to have pity on me

'Who said you had to go away? You left me - your grandfather! - to join in those street protests against the government, I suppose

You're probably in trouble with the police, or you're in debt, and you've run back to me for help

'Well, what is it exactly that you want?'

The old man paused for a moment before saying, 'So, you want to get married at the age of twenty-one

I suppose you've got some sort of career, now? Perhaps you've made a fortune

What do you earn as a lawyer?'

'I beg you, Monsieur,' Marius cried

'So you said to yourself, "I'll have to go and see him, that old fool

" That's what you think, isn't it? Well, my boy, you can do whatever you want

But I will never give you my permission! Never!'

'Here's some money for you

'You must enjoy yourself when you're young,' he said

'But you must also be sensible

He then turned slowly to the old man, bowed deeply and said, 'Four years ago you insulted my father

Today you have insulted my future wife

I shall ask no more favours of you, Monsieur

'Are you coming to the funeral of General Lamarque?'

'Where are you?'

'Is that you, M

'Your friends are waiting for you at the barricade in the rue de Chanvrerie.'

'Who are you?' he asked.

'You're a policeman, aren't you?' he said.

'If you blow up the barricade,' a sergeant called, 'you'll blow up yourself as well!'

'So you've come!' he cried.

A white face was turned towards him and the voice asked, 'Do you recognize me? It's Eponine.'

'What are you doing here?' he said

Then, noticing the pool of blood on the ground behind her, cried, 'You're wounded! I'll carry you to the inn

They'll take care of you there

'A soldier was going to shoot you,' she said, her voice no more than a whisper

It's no use trying to move me, but I'll tell you how you can treat my wound better than any doctor

'I can't cheat you,' she said at last

'I have a letter for you in my pocket

I didn't want you to get it

'Now you must promise me something for my trouble,' she said

Marius, I think I was a little bit in love with you.'

I have no money, and neither have you

I hurried to see you, but you had gone

You remember the promise I made you

I love you

When you read this, my soul will be very near and smiling at you.

'Well, Gavroche, will you do something for me? I want you to deliver this letter to the address written on the outside.'

Seeing Valjean on his doorstep, the boy stopped and asked, 'Do you live in this street?'

Oh, and one more thing before you go,'Valjean said when the boy had handed him the letter

When you read this, my soul will be very near...

'Now you can all leave,' he said.

'I haven't forgotten you,' he said, putting a loaded gun on the table

'You're the leader, aren't you? Can I ask you for a favour?'

What do you want?'

'Then, returning his attention to Valjean, he said calmly, 'I think you know me, too

'I'd rather you killed me.'

'I'll make a bargain with you,' the man said.

'What do you mean?'

Give me half of what you found in this man's pockets, and I'll unlock the gate for you.' He produced a large key from his pocket, and a piece of rope

'I'll give you this as well,' he said

'Then you can tie stones to the body and throw it in the river.'

'Who are you?' he asked.

'I beg you to do me one favour

I gave you my address this morning, if you remember, so you would know where to find me anyway.'

He stared into Valjean's eyes for a long time, then, stepping back with a look of confusion in his eyes, asked dreamily, 'What are you doing here? Who is this man?'

'Will you help me to take him home?' Valjean said

What do you want?'

When they had got back into the carriage, however, Valjean said, 'Inspector, will you do one last thing for me before you arrest me?'

After that, you can do whatever you want with me.'

'I'll wait for you here.'

What kind of man are you? Are you mad? But it makes no difference

That makes you a murderer, a cold-hearted killer

I cannot feel grief for you

'There's something I have to say to you,' Marius told his grandfather one day.

'What do you mean - of course?'

'She comes here every day in the shape of an old man who asks for news of you

While you've been ill, she's spent her time crying and making bandages for you

You see, I'm not as unkind as you think

I've found out that she's a charming girl and that she loves you

I knew you were angry with me, and I thought, "What can I do to make him love me?" Then I thought, "I can give him Cosette." I wanted to invite her to see you, but the doctor warned me that you would probably get too excited

So I advise you, dear boy, to eat more meat and get better soon

Then you can marry your Cosette and be happy.'

You've called me "grandfather"; you've shown me that you love me after all

Gillenormand said and, turning to Marius and Cosette, he added, 'My children, you are free to love one another.'

'Is it really you?' Cosette murmured at last

I'm so happy to see you

I was so excited today that I haven't even dressed up for you

But why don't you say something? Why are you letting me do all the talking? Do you still love me? Oh, I'm so wild with happiness

'Do you realize, Monsieur, how brave this man was? He rescued me from the field of battle and carried me through the sewers of Paris

Marius hugged Valjean warmly, addressed him as 'father' and invited him to lunch, but Valjean shook his head and said, 'Monsieur, I have something to tell you.'

Finally, in a state of shock and confusion, the young man said, 'Why have you told me all this? No one forced you to.'

Everything ended for me when she married you yesterday

'But you must promise not to tell her!' Valjean interrupted

But I think it would be better if you stopped seeing her.'

But at the door he half-turned and said, 'Monsieur, if you will permit me, I would like to come and see her

'Monsieur, you are very kind,' said Jean Valjean, shaking Marius's hand and leaving the room.

'I want you to come and live with us

You'll always be my father and I'm not going to let you go.'

You're upsetting me very much, and I don't know why you're being so cruel.'

'Are you angry with me because I'm happy?'

'What do you want?' Marius asked coldly, as the stranger bowed to him.

'I have a secret to tell you, M

'I'll tell you the first part for nothing

I think you'll be interested;

'The man you think is your wife's guardian is a murderer and a thief

'Did you know that he spent nineteen years in prison?'

'I have more information to tell you

It's a remarkable secret and I'll sell the information to you for 20,000 francs.'

'I repeat, you have nothing to tell me.'

'I'll tell you for twenty francs.'

And you once had an inn in Montfermeil.'

'You're a completely rotten man, but I'll give you this.' Marius took a banknote out of his pocket and threw it in the stranger's face.

'Thank you, M

'Shall I tell you the secret that you were planning to sell me? I, too, have sources of information, and probably know more about the subject than you do

Jean Valjean, as you say, is a murderer and a thief

Thenardier looked puzzled for a moment, then said, 'Monsieur, I think you are mistaken.'

'What! Are you denying what I said? Those are facts!'

'How do you know?'

'What proof do you have?' Marius said, wide-eyed with disbelief.

'What do you mean?'

'I told you that I do not like to see a man accused unjustly, but I do like to see a man punished for crimes he has committed.'

You came here to destroy a man, but you have done the opposite

If you hadn't saved my father's life at Waterloo, I'd report you to the police

When you arrive there, I'll send you another 20,000 francs

I never want to see you again!'

'So you've forgiven me?' Valjean whispered, hugging Cosette to him and turning to Marius.

'Cosette, did you hear what he said?' Marius cried, tears of shame and guilt rolling down his cheeks

And do you know what he did? He saved my life and he brought me back to you

He carried me on his back through the sewers of Paris, to bring me to you

'Why didn't you say it yourself?' Marius demanded

'Why didn't you tell me that you were M

Madeleine and that you saved Javert's life at the barricade? Why didn't you tell me that I owed you my life?'

If you had known the truth, you would have felt obliged to be good to me, a worthless criminal

'Well, we're not going to allow you to stay here on your own

I won't allow you to spend another day here.'

'And you can't refuse this time,' Cosette agreed, sitting on Jean Valjean's lap and kissing his forehead

'There's a carriage waiting for you

I'm kidnapping you - by force, if necessary!'

'Are you ill? Are you in pain?'

'You're going to live! You must live, do you understand?'

Then, taking Cosette's sleeve and pressing it to his lips, he said, 'Come close to me, both of you

I love you dearly

And you love me too, dear Cosette

I want you to have no great sorrows

'Now, Cosette,' he breathed softly, 'the time has come for me to tell you your mother's name

Your mother loved you greatly and she suffered greatly

She was as rich in sorrow as you are in happiness

And now I must leave you, my children

Hope you have enjoyed the reading!

"Oh I say," answered Little Red Riding Hood; "it is beyond that mill you see there, at the first house in the village."

I'll go this way and go you that, and we shall see who will be there first."

"Your grandchild, Little Red Riding Hood," replied the wolf, counterfeiting her voice; "who has brought you a cake and a little pot of butter sent you by mother."

Little Red Riding Hood, hearing the big voice of the wolf, was at first afraid; but believing her grandmother had a cold and was hoarse, answered, "It is your grandchild Little Red Riding Hood, who has brought you a cake and a little pot of butter mother sends you."

She was greatly amazed to see how her grandmother looked in her nightclothes, and said to her, "Grandmother, what big arms you have!"

"All the better to hug you with, my dear."

"Grandmother, what big legs you have!"

"Grandmother, what big ears you have!"

"Grandmother, what big eyes you have!"

"Grandmother, what big teeth you have got!"

"All the better to eat you up with."

Hope you have enjoyed the reading!

I'm Robin, you're Little John..." one of the men says to the other

"And you're Marian," he says to me, the only woman, and he gives me a quick smile.

"Not if you want to live!" I shout

"What do you think?" Robin asks, and he tells him to sit at one of the tables.

"Good Lord, you should leave now before the police get here, and maybe you can still escape," he laughs again, "but I doubt it."

but what do you want? You have my money."

And this is my part; I take the laptop from the bag and put it in front of him and open it, "Do you know what this is?"

"So we need you to enter your details and then transfer two hundred and forty thousand pounds to this account

"We understand that hundreds of local businesses are in serious trouble because of you and this bank," I say

"And you now have a decision to make because we have no time

"You think you can just walk out of here?" Robin laughs

They'll see you

They'll stop you!"

"Oh, and just to let you know, there are no bullets in any of our guns." Hastings starts to shout, but we do not listen

And maybe you want to know what we plan to do with the money.

Unfortunately, this, I can never tell you.

It's only you Emily, I promise..

No, Emily, of course you're more important than them, but

"Sorry to bother you, but do you have a lighter?"

"Don't you speak English? My wife wants to go out now

"Oh thank you!" Sylvia says, and the attendant helps them into the small rowing boat and passes Oliver the picnic bag

"Can you pass me over the bag? Then you can come and sit here next to me," he says as casually as he can.

"Don't you dare call me that," she says in a tone as cold as the water

"But I can't understand a word you're saying."

"Right," he says, and tries to smile to relax her, "what's all this about, then? The officer at the front desk says you need to speak to someone."

"I see," he says, "maybe you can tell me your name first

You have that little red sports car, don't you?"

I can get you a tea if you like," but she shakes her head and puts the bag at her feet

"Then maybe you can tell me why you're here," he suggests.

"No you don't

And Detective, you might think that I'm crazy, but I know what this man wants..."

"Does he speak to you, this man?"

"Where do you work, Mrs Thornton?"

"In Leeds? Then where does this man follow you from?"

"You work in Leeds, but you don't drive? I think your sports car can get you there a lot faster than the bus to Keighley and then the train to Leeds."

"I told you: I don't drive it

"Right, so he follows you."

"Can you describe the man?"

"And he never says anything threatening? He never says that he wants to hurt you?"

Let me make you that tea

A nice tea to calm you down; then we can start again and see if there are any other details."

"We need a better description, you see

"Oh no, no, you don't understand, Detective

"You mean," she continues, "that if I tell you his name, you can help me? You can stop this?" she says desperately.

"Do you promise? You can stop it?"

"I think you should tell me everything," he says, and he can see clearly now the guilt that fills her deep-green eyes

"Do you have her confession?" the figure says.

"Do you have Miss Thornton's confession?" the figure repeats.

I need to ask you..."

No, you either get out of the city for life, or Big Jones finds you

And when Big Jones finds you, that is when you go see the world...

No, Big Jones does not just kill you

He takes you to one of his old factories on the Thames, and then he shows you the boxes and the addresses of all the different locations in the world.

"Is that right? Are you a pom, mate?"

"Are you on holiday, mate?" asks the other, who sits down at the table.

"Yeah, where are you staying? There are no hotels around here."

"Well you're no wuss then

"Well, nice to meet you both, but I need to get up to the farm before dark."

They can chop you up into little pieces," says Darwin, and Gerry thinks about Big Jones and the old factory on the Thames.

See you later," he says to the brothers, then he heads for the truck.

"Well, you can't chop me into little pieces, can you?" he says to the crocodile.

"How? Do you think you can steal from me and escape? Gerry, you know me better than that."

Can't you let me go? You won't ever see me again, I promise!" Gerry begs.

"I know I won't, Gerry, because you're going to go on a little trip..

Let it chop you up into little pieces."

"You don't like it here, do you, kid?" he says

After we eat, you will think this place is the best in the world.

With a full belly you can sit and watch this all day."

"How dumb are you?" his new friend says, and he looks annoyed

It's good if you get a camera out and pretend to take some snaps, you know?

Then, when you get the chance..

you do it..

you grab a bag

A guy's bag you can just walk away with

If you get a woman's bag, you sometimes have to run."

"You want to eat don't you, kid?"

"And you remember where the cameras are? The NYPD ones? The others are nothing

But don't let the NYPD ones see you, or you're not coming back here, not with me." Jake nods again.

But you can't think about that, he tells himself.

Okay, you can do this, Jake tells himself.

And you remember where the cameras are? The NYPD ones?

"How did you know, kid?" a voice says, but this time it is not Nick.

"This is your first cruise, you say? You're going to love it

"Mrs Heath," one says, "how good to see you again

"Gentlemen, let me introduce you to my new friend Miss Eleanor Chance."

"Well, maybe not pirates, but you should still be careful

"No, I can't, I must find the captain: he promised to tell me all about the new people on board today; you know how I must know who I am sailing with." She looks at the men

"Oh, but can I trust you three to look after Eleanor? This is her first night, and her first cruise

"If they scare you, just scream, and I can rescue you."

"So, are you all writers?" she asks.

"Oh, we can't bore you with that

"You know, the surprise at the end of the story, the thing you don't expect." Eleanor smiles and takes a drink

"You know, I think you're all correct

"Really?" says Peter, "Well you must tell us."

"Maybe," she says with another shy smile, "but you first: what's your idea for the perfect murder weapon?"

What do you think, Eleanor?"

"I don't suppose you dance, Edward?"

Would you like to join me?"

However, that is not why you are here

Ladies and gentleman of the jury, you must decide only one thing

And then I get his money, and you and I can get the hell out of this city and out of this country."

"I heard you

"No, you don't understand

I don't know what you heard, but I love my sister, and I used to love my husband."

"Look," she says, her voice different now, "I saw you looking at me yesterday

Maybe there is something we can do to make you forget this? Maybe you can take me for a drink." Then she smiles and takes his hand

"Fine, go and tell them what you heard

Do you have any proof? No

So you can tell them what you want, but they can do nothing, and you are still here in Bristol, and so is my family

And they will not like what you say

Do you understand me?"

Keep quiet and you are going to be okay

And if you tell anyone, it is going to be just as easy to finish you

One moment you are asleep, your dreams calm and gentle and your body warm in the blankets of your bed

The next moment you are awake, a horrible sensation filling your body, and you are sure that ice-cold water is covering you.

And for a few moments you are so afraid that you cannot think

You know you are still in your bed, still in your house, still in your quiet street in the north of Manchester

And you want to tell yourself to relax, that everything is okay, and to close your eyes and return to your calm and gentle dreams.

But you cannot.

No, you cannot, because you know that everything is not okay

You know that you are awake because something woke you.

And you try to remember what it was, but you cannot.

So, you lie there, and, you let your eyes adjust to the dark

And you do not tell yourself to relax, you do not tell yourself that everything is okay, and you do not tell yourself to return to your calm and gentle dreams.

The blanket of your bed is covering all of you except for your head, and part of you thinks that this is good

Part of you wants to cover your head too

But another part of you wants to know.

So you listen, and you look, and you try to remember what it was that woke you

So you do not move, but you let your eyes adjust, and soon the complete darkness is not so complete

And you can see your room now, though everything seems strange and different, and everything makes you feel more afraid.

The door of your wardrobe is open, and the clothes inside look like three or four small burglars watching you

The lamp in the corner of the room looks like the tall, silent figure of a murderer, and the coat on the back of your door has hands that almost touch you.

But this is just your imagination, your fear, and you know that and try to stay calm and focussed.

So you listen, and you think that everything seems to be normal

You try to see the clock in the dark, but it is impossible, and you think that it must be somewhere between four and six o'clock: the darkest hours of the night when even the lively and vibrant city of Manchester sleeps.

And there is no birdsong to let you know that the sun and the new day are nearly here.

You think that if you scream, someone will hear you.

But you are not sure

And so you wait, and you listen, and you look, and you tell yourself one more time..

After a few more moments, you begin to feel a little more relaxed

Maybe it was only a bad dream that woke you

And then you think of Sophie, your cat

But you know that the noise was not her

You know that Sophie is sleeping in her usual position at the top of the stairs and that she never makes a noise in the night, and you wish, for the first time, that you also had a dog

Yes, a brave dog to protect you instead of just a lazy cat that lies in dangerous places.

And you almost smile, and you relax a little more.

It was just a bad dream, you think

And your heart slows, and the sensation of ice-cold fear begins to leave you.

And now you move

And you know that you can rest now: everything is okay

And your eyes close, and you feel sleep begin to take you.

And then you hear it!

There! A sound! Not a dream, but movement in the spare room, where you keep the computer!

Don't move! Part of you says, the part that feels the sensation of cold water on your skin again.

But there is another part of you now, and it is not cold with fear: it is hot

Because you know now that someone is in your house.

Don't move! Part of you says again.

But you do.

Quietly, you move the blankets from your body, and you take the dressing gown from the end of your bed and put it on

You know you should call the police, but you need to do something more, something quick.

But can you do it? Can you hit someone? Can you hit a burglar?

Then you hear another noise from the spare room.

My computer, you think

And then you know that yes, you can do it if you need to

If you have to

Don't move! The scared part of you says.

But you must

You quietly open it, just a little, just so you can see the dark landing.

Now you can hear the movement more easily

No reason for you to think that there is more than one burglar

It is colder here, but you do not feel it

Your heart is beating so fast that you do not feel anything but the strange mixture of fear and anger.

The door to the spare room is half open, and you can hear the sound of the wind outside

You know now that the window to the spare room is open, and you know this is how the burglar entered.

Your hand is nearly on the light switch when you hear another noise from the room

But this is your house, and you know you must stay!

Then, standing right in front of you in the dark, you see the burglar, and he looks back at you and shouts

You turn on the lights and swing the heavy statue in his direction, but you cannot see him now because the light is so bright

And then you can see his face, and you realise that he looks more afraid than you do, and he is stepping quickly backwards to the stairs

Then you see Sophie, in her normal place at the top of the stairs, and you see how near the burglar is

"But does it matter that you're not my priest? Can you still listen?"

"But can you promise not to tell anyone?"

"Father, I need to ask for something from you

Can you do that? Can you help me hide here in the church?"

"Maybe, but why, my son? I can only help you if you tell me why

God, you see, is in the detail

If you want to confess and receive God's forgiveness, you must tell me everything."

"Okay, Father, but remember, you promise not to tell a soul."

Do you know the name?"

My son, you should let me take you to the guards."

"Then you must tell me everything."

"Well, God will judge you for this, my son

But tell me, why did you stay in the city? Why not run for the countryside? Or hop on a ferry out of here?"

"I want to help you, and if you confess all your sins to me, then maybe I can

What is this thing you need?" Barry hesitates

And I will help you

I can let you sleep here for a few days, and I can bring you some food."

"Oh Father, thank you Father."

"Why? Because I need to know that you aren't going to hurt anyone to get it," the voice says seriously.

"Well, I tell you what

I'm going to go close the church, then maybe I can find you that bit of food and some other clothes."

"Ah, thank you, Father

Thank you! You know, I'm sure there's a bit of spare money for the church

Three thousand maybe? What do you think?" But there is no answer.

"Now, son, I told you that any man can listen, didn't I?" it says

"And I also told you that God is in the detail

And an important detail, a very important detail, is that you're in the wrong side of the confessional

But you know, I think I can do that next time

Now, you did say Howth Road?"

"I need to ask you to get out of the car."

"I hope you die and rot in the desert!" she shouted, blood still on her face

"Brandon," his brother said, "I know you need the money

You can't find work if you can't drive

If you ask for more, you have to wait, and then there is the risk that they contact the police

In Canada, in the mountains, when you are cold you are okay, but when you are warm, you are in trouble.

"How? How did you find us? You only had a few hours to get the money."

"But I went to the road where you took my son

I know these mountains better than they do and better than you."

"Are you going to shoot me?" he asks.

I do the talking, you make the notes

"Miss White is here to take notes and can give you some more details about Mr Fletcher."

"He's why you're here

Don't you know that?"

When did you last see him?"

"Your chief inspector said you could help

Did you hear him? This Fletcher likes a sherry

"You? Were you watching us from the roof?"

"Who else is with you...? Mr Fletcher?"

"Be honest now, or there might be trouble for you."

"Oh really, and who are you?"

"No, it's not what you think

"Well, we might need to talk to you again at another time," Smith says and turns to go back to the courtyard

"How did you know Mr Cliff was here, Miss White?"

I suppose you didn't notice, but those two are having some sort of romantic affair."

I can teach you a few things I think, West." And Smith nods to the workmen.

"Wait a minute, Son, you don't need that today."

No, you don't need that today," he repeats, and he takes the mp3 player from the boy's hands, and he tries to avoid the angry look in the boy's dark eyes.

"And one day they can be yours if you want."

"Of course lad, but I need to show you how first."

"Ha, well, I need to show you how to do it safely, so we need to go up to the old Abertreweren forest."

"Well, you see, really, we aren't supposed to be here."

That's a crime, that's illegal, but you still do that, don't you? Well, this is just like that

Now, not many people come to this side of the forest at this time of the year, but if you see someone you just put the gun down gently in a bush or under some leaves

If you have no gun, then there is no problem; we can come back for the gun another day

Okay? So remember: if you see or hear someone, put it down nice and gently, and there will be no problem."

Do you remember the rules about the gun, Son?"

Never point the gun at you or anyone else

Keep to your left but not directly behind you

And don't forget there are two shots and that I should empty the gun before I give it back to you."

if you have no gun, then there is no problem..."

"Are you sitting comfortably? Good.

I want to tell you a little story that I know

Now, it's not a very nice story, and I can't promise you that there will be a very happy ending

But it's a true story, and that's something that's very important to me, and I want you to remember that.

Yeah, you need to remember that the truth is important to me

And you know what? It's something that's very important to you too.

You know what I mean when I say a nobody? I mean Jimmy wasn't rich, and he wasn't too bright, you know? Not very clever, really

Poker, blackjack, rummy: you name the game and Jimmy could play it, though he especially liked poker

You see, there are two things you can do with a talent like that

You can either play the game right: you play it straight

This way you enter the competitions, you play your best, and you play by the rules

Then slowly you win respect, and slowly you make a name for yourself.

Or there's the other thing you can do.

Do you know what I mean when I say cheat? I mean you use the little tricks, the fast fingers and the good memory, but you use it to break the rules of the game.

And do you know what choice Jimmy Lane made?

You see, you don't take from Las Vegas: Vegas takes from you.

Do you understand that, Jimmy? Do you know how many kids like you come into my casino? No? Hundreds, thousands

"I don't want you to say anything stupid, Jimmy, because this is your last chance." He looks across the pool to his assistant

Did you hear that, Jimmy? So before I take this gag out of your mouth, and before you think about saying something stupid again, think about this

Did you really not think that we were watching you? We knew you were cheating

We knew you were using your little tricks

The only reason you got to the final table, to my table, Jimmy is because I let you."

And, right now, it's very important to you." And he takes the gag from Jimmy's mouth.

No one can hear you

Everything you said about me is right

I wanted to win, I wanted the respect you talked about

You can hit me, or you can try to scare me, but I never cheat!"

"Scare you? You think we want to scare you? Clive, let them out," he says.

Four aces? I know you put those cards in

"But, Mr Wynn, how did you know he cheated? We didn't see anything on the cameras," Clive asks.

Is he strange? Or are you just being silly?

You need to stop reading this rubbish: you are losing your mind, she tells herself.

"Do you mind, dear?"

"Is it? Man, you know, the sick thing is that no one knows who it is

They don't know if it's a man, a woman, some kid, you get me?"

"How do you know that?"

"Did I wake you up? It must be something in my bag

"Oh, you poor thing, you look exhausted

I'll move my bag so you can sleep."

"No, you relax," the old woman says, and Sarah thinks the old lady has a kind smile

"Are you okay, dear? You look a little pale."

Thank you."

"It's okay, dear, you will feel better in a moment

I gave you a little medicine to help you sleep."

"I am helping you, dear

But it's okay now: I'm here to help you."

Hope you have enjoyed the reading!

that's so sweet of you!" Taste-pots were great, because they weren't expensive, but gave you the taste of something luxurious like double chocolate ice cream

"I have something for you

"It's you and me, right? And a waterfall behind us." He smiled

"To remind you of the day we met."

It was one of the best illusions available in the simulator, because if you stood at the edge of the cliff, it really felt like you could fall.

"You can stay here if you want."

"I have something for you, too."

"Sala, you and Cham are going to swim with dolphins."

In a simulator, it was hard to forget that there were four walls just five or six steps away - but in a pod, you lost your awareness of the world around you

"Thank you, thank you

You're the best! I love you so much." The hour on the beach was soon over

"It's like a pod experience, but you stay in for much longer," explained Ding

"They've developed these special pods that you can actually live in

They connect your body to them and look after it for you - your food, your muscles, everything

So you don't need to move

"They give you both while you're in there

And you get to study, I think."

They're saying that the study programs in the pod will make you much more employable when you come out."

"And they actually pay you?" Niki's eyes were wide.

"Can you imagine?" She looked across at Cham

"Thank you so much, again," she said

I'll see you on the ultranet later, OK?"

"Is that you, Sala?" called a voice from somewhere above

Are you in the Real Space?"

"Gran, I have something for you!"

"I think it must be something for you to plant."

"Gran! Are you OK?" Sala put an arm around her, and made her sit down on the little bench that looked over the city.

Sala, where did you get this?" she whispered.

What's more, there was a force field at the city boundary that was impossible to cross: there were alarms there that sensed your wrist chip before you even got close, and then government agents appeared in seconds to arrest you

There are tiny hairs inside that make you want to scratch

"The one you tell stories about? The one who..."

"Wait a minute - you think your brother sent the fruit?"

"Gran, you never know! Maybe there are places outside the city that didn't get contaminated - where people survived."

"Did the woman say how you could contact her?"

"The one who gave you the fruit."

"Did you have a nice time with Cham?"

"Are you?" Gran sounded surprised

"Do you think we'll ever be able to travel like you did?" Sala asked

"Did you get home OK?" Then she stopped

"I'm dying to tell you a story about Gran

Missing you."

There was so much you could see on the ultranet or at the simulator center

But afterward, you were still in the city in a tiny room, surrounded by thousands of other people doing exactly the same thing

Are you busy?"

I just thought you might be annoyed with me, and I didn't want to ruin our day."

"When am I ever annoyed with you?"

You shouldn't have bought us such an expensive present - I mean, it's wonderful, but you don't have enough money

We can get what you paid for this back, I'm sure..."

"It was a special offer - if you bought one experience, you could get another for free." He suddenly started talking very fast

"I had enough money for one, and you just had to say you were interested in Pod Life

"Is this the Pod Life that Ding was talking about? The one where you live in a pod for two years?" Cham looked uncomfortable

"And you said you were interested, to get this special offer?"

are you interested?"

"No! Well, I mean - just as an idea, you know..."

"You didn't say you'd do it, did you?" she whispered.

"You said you hated the idea

"Why would I mind you getting a special offer? It's cool."

"Phew! So we're OK? And I'll see you at the energy center tomorrow, with Apat?"

"See you then."

You could run, ride a bicycle, climb, or jump on different machines, which created energy, so then you added the units to your wrist chip

"What were you watching?" asked Sala.

"Can't you just get rid of them?"

"So you were thinking about it!" she cried

"Last night, you said it was just to get the second pod experience!"

"You've read the messages, you've thought about it, you've even talked to your mom -"

"You're thinking of leaving me for two whole years and you can't see the problem?"

I'm sure he loves you, but you can't blame hint for thinking about the future

It costs a lot to live in an earth apartment - you need constant lighting and heating

Your mother is in a very unusual position, you know - Cham's dad only gets bits and pieces of work now and then

So Cham probably needs to think about the future more carefully than you."

you didn't see anyone else today, did you?"

I mean the woman you saw yesterday

The one who gave you the fruit."

"Do you honestly think it came from outside?"

"But I love listening to you!"

Some of them were really beautiful, but you couldn't really explore them because you were still in a little room with a time limit

How wonderful to think that there might still be a different world out there - a world where you could do all those things for real!

Can we talk? I'll come over, if you like."

A message - from Cham! His smiling face, saying simply: "Can you come to mine?" Sala's heart flooded with happiness

"Do you want me to put the hologram on?" asked Cham

One wall of the apartment was just plain white, with a hologram you could turn on and off

if you're sure."

"Then the other thing is, you get loads of energy units," Cham carried on

"Because you're just lying in the pod, they're able to store all the heat energy that your body creates

Then you get it all back as energy units when you come out

And they pay you, too

Or your family instead, if you want."

"What do you mean?"

you know that fruit the woman gave me?"

"Come on, are you joking? Your gran is fantastic

"Sala," said Cham, "you know I'd love to help my parents

But I don't want to leave you."

"I know what you said before, but..

would you think about doing it with me?"

"So, when are you going to the pod center?" asked Niki.

Think of all those energy units! Why don't you like the idea?"

"Well, I guess you're not the only one who's afraid."

"Once you've got all those energy units and extra money, you are free

More free than you were before."

I don't want to be left behind - do you?"

But who are you? Where did it come from?"

I'll see you again."

I'll see you again, the woman had said: well, then, there was really nothing to do but wait.

You were excited and you couldn't concentrate on anything else, but you were also a tiny bit afraid

From far down on the ground floor, Cham sent a message: "Ready when you are!"

"Can you swim?" asked Cham, curiously.

Can you?"

One wall was invisible - all you could see was a huge 3D hologram advertising Pod Life.

"And then, when everything is attached, the pod moves into a horizontal position, so you're lying down."

"See you in an hour, Sala!"

Did you have a wonderful trip?"

"Here you are

"It's normal to feel a little strange when you first come out."

"But you did enjoy it, right?"

And I loved it right at the end, when that big dolphin came up to you and lifted you out of the water."

it was you in there, wasn't it? Your voice sounded a bit different, but apart from that..."

"I guess they take a 3D picture of you inside the pod, and then they create an avatar."

"So it was you

"If I didn't have you, I'd sign up for Pod Life, I think."

"And you're the one with doubts about it, so you should decide

I would do it - but only if you want to do it, too

If you don't, that's it

"You just said you'd like to do it."

"Not without you," repeated Cham

"Look, I trust you, Sala

You'll make a good decision, I know you will."

But you'll have to save some money first."

"Oh, it's good to see you all and really talk

"Mom, I've been wondering what you think of this new thing, Pod Life

You've heard about it, haven't you?"

what would you say if Cham and I wanted to do it?"

"I'd ask you to think about the things you love

And the people you'd leave behind

We'd miss you terribly, and I think you'd miss us." Mom smiled

"I wouldn't stop you, Sala

And I'd wish with all my heart that there was something better for you."

"I don't think you can depend on that, Gran," she said

"No, no, you're quite right

"Look at you!" said Sala.

"I heard that Palo has done the same as you

"Also, I know you think it's crazy, but..

I know you've thought about it, and I can see you've decided the answer is no

"Thank you," she said

"But you have to be sure, Cham

"I love that you're so hopeful." Cham drew her close, and kissed her

"And I'm so proud of you

It wasn't really fair to give you such a tough decision to make, but I knew you'd be strong enough."

"Are you two crazy?" Niki couldn't believe it

"Neither of you?"

"But I thought you loved your pod experience."

"I'll never understand you."

"Can you meet me now at the simulator center? I want to talk face to face

Love you."

"Thank you for coming," he whispered

"But I thought you said he was helping fix this problem at the meat laboratory," said Sala.

But I'd really miss you - and so would your family..." She bit her lip.

"You can see that, can't you?"

I'm not angry with you

Especially not with you

"The only thing I can ask is this: if I do Pod Life without you, will you still be here for me when I come out? Can you wait two years?"

"Cham, you have to do what's right for you

I'm not going to stop you

"It's you -" began Sala.

"Who are you?"

"Tell me who you are first."

"Do you want to put us both in danger?"

I just want to talk to you."

I'll find you

"Sala! You look like you've seen a ghost!" said Mom

We know you can't leave your city, but now I hear that maybe messages can reach you, if you are still alive

I want you to know that I have a good, happy life with my wife

If you received one of the fruits, you know that this is true, and that it came from me

I miss you, Malia

Here, we are free, and we have beauty all around us, but my heart breaks when I think of you trapped in that city, like a bird in a cage.

Thank those who took the risk to find you

We think we can trust them, but we know that this letter could put you in danger

If you are reading it, be glad: it means there is hope

Sala went up to her room and sent a message to Cham: "Need to talk to you

I was going to ask you to come

"Hey, you're cheerful," Cham remarked

"But you have to promise not to tell anyone

you're still going to do this?" she demanded, waving her hand toward the pod center.

"Why not? I told you - I have to."

"But don't you see? This changes everything

"It's the least real thing you could possibly do

And I don't want to hurt you."

We're delighted you've come," he said, smiling brightly

"I'll be showing you around

It won't take long, and you're free to ask any questions

So the word 'passenger' describes you very well, don't you think?"

After that, you'll have two days of tests, to check that your body is behaving normally under pod conditions."

"I'm sorry, but you can't come any further with us

You've reached the limit of what I can show you

Only parents and close relations are allowed beyond this point, so Kaz here is going to take you back."

Are you ready to sign?"

You will remain in the pod for this, so you will speak through your avatar."

"After one month, as I've explained, you will be given tests

If your body is in good health, you will then return to the pod for a further twenty-three months."

We look forward to seeing you in a week."

Love you." He would forgive her..

Sala, you're such a fool, she thought

"You can just stop people's ultranet connections? How? Who are you?"

"I can't tell you everything," said Wena cautiously

"Are there many of you?"