Welcome to Stories from Among the Stars. You're listening to The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Clune,

narrated by Daniel Henning.

15. Though the curiosity was begging to kill the cat, Linus ignored it. He ignored it as he

walked back to the van. He ignored it as he climbed inside. He ignored it as Arthur smiled at him,

asking him if he was ready to go home. Yes, he said evenly. I'm ready. The children were high on sugar and the day's outing,

and babbled most of the way to the ferry. Murrell scowled at them when he opened the gate,

but they ignored him. By the time they were halfway across the channel to the island, the children

were asleep, with the exception of Sal. Theodore was curled in his lap, wing over his head to block out the sunlight.

Did you have a good time?

Linus heard Zoe ask him.

I think I did, Sal replied.

Mr. Baker helped me.

He told me I could be scared, but to remember there's more to me than that.

He sighed. People can be rude, and they can think dumb things about me, but to remember there's more to me than that. He sighed.

People can be rude, and they can think dumb things about me, but I have all of you,

and that's what's most important.

Right, Mr. Baker?

Linus thought it was far too late to shield his heart.

The children blinked slowly as they woke when Arthur switched off the van in front of the

house. Lucy yawned and stretched, accidentally hitting Talia in the face with his elbow. She shoved his

arm away. Sorry, he said. Perhaps we'll have dinner a little earlier tonight, Arthur announced.

I don't think some of us will last much longer after.

...