Story of a little girl Ginny in Tacville by Diana Zotescu

impression to her, except that he would follow around a big black and
white spotted cat, and seemed to obey his mother in all the aspects.
Yesboy she called him, but later on she heard the mother calling him
Fred.

Story of a little girl Ginny in Tacville

Chapter 1: where Ginny faces a shameful comparison and vows to take

school more seriously.

Ginnys father was not around much, working always from a different
country, but he would call every Sunday evening and occasionally send
exotic postcards and funny presents to her, such as the previous month
she did receive a chess game carved of wood with horses shaped as
dragons and she loved it; Alfie enjoyed it just as much and munched on a
little soldier figurine leaving it without an arm, to Ginnys discontent who
scolded him for his deed.

That particular Monday Ginny woke up with a feeling of discontent

towards herself and the world: for a number of hours during the weekend
she tried in vain to make something of the homework Miss Scaffold so
generously assigned to the class on Friday.

She was a bit of a strange girl Ginny, spending hours and hours reading on
the back porch of the her home, and then daydreaming about faraway
places, musketeers, fairytales, princes and marquises, singing songs to
herself and engaging in long dialogues with Alfie who could not but listen
and agree to everything she said. That year, for Christmas Ginny turned
nine and her father brought home about a dozen books of oriental stories
that kept her company through the whole spring and summer. But
autumn came, with its usual rainy sadness and to her despair Ginny had
to go back to school, for there was nothing she disliked more in the world
than wearing a uniform and doing her lessons under the strict discipline
of miss Scaffold. She dreaded mathematics, for numbers did not speak
anything to her, not a song or a poem, just a funny clingy noise similar to
coins dropping on the floor: two plus five, cling, seven, cling, twenty five
minus ten Ginny cling...

She was distracted mainly by two things: her beloved hamster Alfie
escaped his box, and she had to search for him for about one hour to
finally hear him running from somewhere behind the kitchen wall. Her
mother did call the plumber to cut a little hole into the wall, the Tom and
Gerry kind of round thing but the little munchkin chose to return via an
unknown rout behind the sink making the whole effort useless.
Secondly and just as important they had new people moving in next door
and although aware of the impoliteness of her behaviour Ginny spent the
whole Sunday watching the new neighbours carrying brown boxes and
pieces of furniture into their current home on Cholmeley street .
Sometimes towards evening Ginny managed to identify the members of
the family moving in as: the mother -a skinny woman with big red hair
and a shrieking voice yelling directions to the workers Ginny was
wondering how she can go on like this for hours, her reservoir of energy
seemed bottomless; a short chap with kind eyes and round face, most
likely the husband and a pale little boy, probably her age that left no
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Story of a little girl Ginny in Tacville by Diana Zotescu

So how was school today sweetie her mother asked in a warm voice
piling up in front of her three pieces of apple pie with cream. Hows Miss
Scaffold doing?. Ginny tried to stay away from the school failure subject
as much as possible, unaware that Miss Scaffold and her mother would
regularly meet for a late tea every Monday to share the latest town
gossip and food recipes. Upon finishing her daily brief Ginny retreated to
her bedroom with the solemn promise of paying more attention to her
mathematics lessons as of that evening and was so determined to show
her commitment that she spread open all the books and notebooks on
her desk, in front of her mother.

Twenty-five minus ten Ginny ...did you hear me, miss Scaffold said;
come on, why are you taking so long; miss Scaffold was taking turns
asking children calculus questions and her grey eyes were piercing
through Ginny, with the sharpness of steel. Ginny softened and gasped
looking down...most likely around ten she said, but it could be a little
bit more or less? She was biting on her lips knowing there was no escape
and that her homework would be under scrutiny soon.
Miss Scaffold was not pleased with the answer but abandoned her quest
as a boys voice from behind the class sharply answered fifteen and
distracted her attention from Ginny. The little boy followed through all
the questions with an exemplary patience and correctness that put a grin
on miss Scaffolds face who concluded that Ginny should look up him and
devote more of her time to mathematics. Ginny did not agree to this
suggestion in her mind, and looked curiously at the boy who put her to a
shameful comparison; to her surprise she recognised the Yesboy from
next door, and if at a first glance on Sunday his appearance said nothing
to her, in that moment she found him completely obnoxious, his face
having a smile of complete satisfaction and superiority to all human
beings who were oblivious to the rules of mathematics. And Ginny was
among those.

Alfonso and I, mum, well get to the bottom of this, all it takes is a bit of
practice...how hard can it be after all she said pulling Alfie out of his little
cage onto her desk, while giving him a loving look. Mum nodded and
closed the door slowly knowing that Ginny would fall asleep twice as fast
if mathematics was involved. And she was right, as in less than ten
minutes Ginnys head fell heavily on the notebook while Alfie would chew
undisturbed the practice book.

Chapter 2: where Ginny takes the right bus in the wrong direction and
finds out that Alfie talks

The day went by quietly and rainy, and on her way home Ginny was
desolated to see that her new uniform was bearing some spots from
lunch, and had a little tear on the back that she attributed to Alfie. She
crawled into the house dripping wet and cold and ate a silent dinner
while wishing it was summer again, and that her mother did not question
about how Miss Scaffold was doing.

Next day Ginny woke up a little bit later than usual; the house was quiet
which usually meant that Mum was already out and probably left
breakfast on the kitchen table. It took Ginny a while to get dressed as she
was quite conscious of her appearance, and putting her sandwich in the
right pocket she decided to take Alfie along, defying previous warnings
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Story of a little girl Ginny in Tacville by Diana Zotescu

The streets seemed more and more unfamiliar to Ginny now, who looking
out of the window saw that they were on a countryside road, with some
green bushes and grass, but trees bare of leaves, and little white houses
in the distance. In her pocket Alfie was getting restless and Ginny took
him out almost tearful whispering Oh my dear Alfie, I am almost sure we
are on the wrong bus now, if this is not Winchester or Maidenhead then I
dont know where we are as those were the only two other places
Ginny remembered seeing, and their familiarity was reassuring her to find
the way back home.

from Miss Scaffold, who was terribly afraid of mice in particular, about
bringing pets to school. The little girl just turned the house corner when
she saw the bus already in the station; she started running and waving
her hands in despair at the driver. She was the only pick up from the bus
stop and luckily the driver waited for her, which was a sign that the day
had a good start already as Ginny was close to being only twenty five
minutes late.
The appearance of the bus driver stroke Ginny a little bit as he was
wearing a Hawaiian shirt, shorts and flip-flops which was quite unusual
for the cold October day, but she said nothing as looking back on her own
experience she would wear her favourite orange dress with blue dots four
seasons a year if Mum allowed. Welcome on board little Ginny he said
with a smile that vaguely resembled her fathers as far as she
remembered it. Ginny found it quite natural that the bus driver knows her
name and took a seat somewhere in the back, making her way through
two or three more passengers standing up. Actually at a closer look all of
the people on the bus seemed a bit odd and as non-judgemental as she
may have been Ginny thought to herself that their taste in clothing was
not the best and kept wondering why on Earth would anyone wear such
thin clothes on a late October morning, as they all seemed heading to the
beach or something. The previous week she remembered she saw some
news on touristic buses being launched by the city hall in her town, where
nothing much was to be seen actually, however how would this bus get
her to school? Once more none on the people on the bus were Chinese,
and none of them had cameras; they would all be speaking fair English
and all these factors were arguing indisputably in Ginnys head against
her being on a touristic bus.

Last stop Tacville the driver said, almost in a singing voice, which was
contrasting to Ginnys own feelings and the overall mood on the bus. The
people were quite unhappy to face the cold October in flip-flops and
sandals but got off, Ginny being the last to step down from the bus. Hey
little girl, you are heading for the school I assume? he asked smiling.
Ginny nodded and added with a small voice yes Sir, but honestly, I really
dont know where this should be. I think I may have taken the wrong bus,
for sure I dont know the streets at all.
Hmmm...there is nothing wrong with THIS bus, it works perfectly fine, if
you ask me, and I should know better as I have been driving it for 30 years
now. Consequently you are exactly where you were supposed to be.
Ginny raised an eyebrow hearing this affirmation and the bus driver
continued: The school is a little bit down onto the left, he said pointing
straight ahead and then right, which puzzled poor Ginny even more. It
shouldnt take more than ten minutes to walk there. Youll find it in no
time. Here you go Ill draw a map for you he added and started
scratching something on a piece of paper giving it to Ginny.

Story of a little girl Ginny in Tacville by Diana Zotescu

They were walking and talking for a while now when Ginny noticed on the
side of a road two funny looking men who oddly enough were picking up
apples, or so it seemed they did. The girl was already used to seeing
people in summer clothes even though it was a biting cold outside, so she
overlooked the aspect this time. Her curious nature made her stop and
stare for a while, while Alfie was peeking through a hole in her left
pocket.

Ginny took the paper and put it her pocket next to the sandwich and got
off the bus to face the desolated landscape of a cold October morning, on
the outskirts of a little town not far away ahead. The people on the bus
had moved fast and she could see them in the distance, so Ginny started
to get a sense of the direction to which she should be heading as well.
Straight ahead Alfie and well get to school in no time now, the bus
driver said...it would help if you could sniff your way there, I am sure that
if the school was made out of cheese you would find it faster than saying
Abracadabra the girl added. The little animal gave her an amused look
and startled Ginny who all of a sudden could hear him talking back to her
aaaa..ctually ch-heeeeese is not my favourite t-t-treat..I- I- I like oats
better, especially sharing the p-po-orridge with you in the morning. Oh
Alfie, you can talk, Ginny exclaimed in utter happiness, envisioning all of a
sudden the benefits of having a talking hamster. Oh if only Alfie could
whisper some answers during those awful tests with Miss Scaffold.

Dont you just stand there! One of the men said, in despair. I need a
hand over here; these apples need to be IN the tree by the end of day.
He was short and skinny, wearing a tennis outfit and a headband, his pale
face a slight blue that Ginny attributed to him being in the cold for a
while. To her astonishment, Ginny noticed that he was not picking up any
apples, but rather attaching them back to the branches of the tree, which
obviously would not make any sense to her. However she bent over to
take some of the fruit from a basket and handed them to the other man
who was climbing up a ladder, tying the fruits onto the branches. The
whole operation lasted for a couple of minutes until Ginny asked:

Chapter 3: where Ginny discoveres that July is the only month in

Tacville, finds the school and makes new friends

Excuse me for making this observation. I may be wrong, but isnt this a
quince tree? indeed the round yellowish fruit could be seen hanging
here and there, naturally and without any additional support.

It didnt take long for Ginny to get used to the now talking Alfie and they
engaged in a merry conversation around pancakes, and the reason for
which the hamster munched on the little sweater Ginny knitted for him
the previous winter. I would have worn it if it was red, but purple is just
not my colour - it makes my fur look even whiter by contrast he said.
Ginny was not aware that Alfie had a fashion sense but she did remember
that a while back he chewed on an old pair of her mothers shoes they
were ugly Alfie said plus it gave her a reason to go out shopping with
you even though she was a bit mad at me!

Quince trees, apple trees they are all the same the man in the tennis
outfit replied with a blunt look in his big blue eyes. They should bear
fruit anyway because its July, and this is a good time for fruit to be in the
trees ripping. Ginny could make no objection to that except for the fact
that it was late October, and she said that out load with an expression of
content. The man on the ladder gave a shriek and fell down with a loud
noise, pulling along a couple of branches neatly decorated with fruit.
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Story of a little girl Ginny in Tacville by Diana Zotescu

Some would, some who would use your being wrong or some who are
worse than you in calculus Alfie thought but kept it to himself. Under the
red and white fluffiness Alfie was a mature hamster, and owned much of
his philosophy to his previous owners who were very fond of cultural and
social activities, which sometimes deterred them from feeding Alfie daily
as he expected. A habit very unpleasant to the poor hamster, who had to
squeak really loud to cover Mozart and get his fair share of treats. Ginny
was more careful in his aspect and now Alfie had a big round belly that
would sometimes get him stuck inbetween the wires of his cage. Because
Alfie was very fond of midnight walks around the house and would often
escape to return back to his place early in the morning, before Ginny
would wake up.

Sacrilege and blasphemy he screamed throwing his hands in the air

hysterically. Everybody around here knows its July, the sunniest month
of the year, and this was established one year ago by His Majesty King Tac
the 1st. We havent had any other month ever since, and we happily enjoy
the benefits of this wise decision as we now have summer all year long.
The mans face was red with anxiety and his little eyes were sparkling
nervously. He was wearing something of a gardener outfit, consisting of a
short sleeved overall and even though obviously cold he went on
complaining about the heat outside.
All of a sudden, in a very upright and military position the tennis player
started to sing oh King, great is your wisdom, brave is your heart, alike
the sun you are and shine on us, and was joined immediately by his
fellow gardener.

Not before long the two lost travellers heard the voices of children
somewhere on the right side of the road and saw square, grey building
with two stories and surrounded by a bright red fence; it was the school.
Although not very chatty, Ginny was not shy and headed for the first
group of children she caught sight of: two boys slightly younger than her
and a girl about twelve with round face, rosy cheeks and short curly hair,
wearing a dark blue summery uniform. Ginny liked her instantly, as she
had something tender yet determined about her, and the two boys
seemed to hold her in very high esteem.

Ginny said nothing more and still confused left the two men singing
behind and got back on the main road, looking for to school.
Didnt you find that a bit wired Alfie? she asked in a soft voice. I mean,
why would so many people say is July around here? It looks as though its
still October to me...this drizzle is terrible and will soak your fur to the
skin...thats enough of an argument to convince me
Hmmm..i-i-its a human habit dear; ppp-people often pretend something
in the hope that it may come true in the end..ll-like pretending to be
rich...may get you rich in the end..

Did you learn the song Pete? King Tac the 1st announced his visit to the
school today, you know theyll make us sing it...youd better know the
words or else theyll punish you..

I dont understand how that could happen Alfie...for sure adults are
complicated...I could pretend all day long that I have done my calculus
correctly but no one would believe me that two plus two equals five..

I didnt learn it said the boy in an angry voice looking down I didnt
want to..

Story of a little girl Ginny in Tacville by Diana Zotescu

Ginny that the bus driver will take them both back home in the evening
for he picks up all pupils at five oclock exactly.

Oh Pete...I know its hard but..just say after me.. oh King, great is your
wisdom, brave is your heart, alike the sun you are and shine on us..
The other boy giggled and started to sing oh King, great is your bottom,
brave is your farth, alike the sun you are and smell on us...

Chapter 4: where Ginny gets to see king Tac the 1st and answers some
calculus questions

The girl wanted to hush him but was distracted by Ginnys laugh who was
standing behind her.

The sharp cling of the bell brought the groups of children together and a
womens voce started to claim silence and order Tom, tuck your shirt
in..Jones put your tie on immediately..Marissa you hair is a mess today,
comb that now...Helen of Elfopolis!! she screamed giving a sever look
to Ginnys new friend...always the back row for you; I think His Majesty
King Tac the 1st granted a big favour allowing you in this school, as you
could have been where your parents are, so do not disturb his sight...back
row for you, now!! Helen did not protest and took Petes hand to move
somewhere in the back of the yard, behind a tall blonde boy with freckles.
Ginny followed her not knowing what to do and where she should stand
and felt sorry that poor Helen was treated that way, and a bit curious as
to understand where Helens parents may have been.

Thats so funny, Ginny said. How big is his bottom? I bet he would
squeeze my little Alfie if he sat on him; Alfie wanted to comment that
not once Ginnys bad-sighted grandmother almost squashed him but
stayed hidden.
Now, Tom you know you shouldnt sing the song like this. You could get
yourself in big trouble.
But its biiiigggg!!! Tom insisted and took off in a flash singing his own
version of the song, which was quickly taken after by other groups of
children.
You have to excuse Tom the curly girl said, hes got a big mouth...
Allow me to introduce myself she continued gracefully bending her head
and taking a slight bow I am Helen of Elfopolis and this is my brother
Pete. Hes a first grader, but I am already in the gymnasium.

Ginny was thinking of her own teacher and in a flash she understood that
although Miss Scaffold would pick on her a lot, even in her angriest
moments she would still love her pupils. And that was something tangible
the little girl felt, when the teacher would hug them or kiss their cheeks
for their birthdays or when they were doing something good. But that
woman barking at Helen to sit in the back row was not nice and Ginny
wanted to stay away from her as much as possible.

Delighted to meet you Helen; I am Ginny and this is Alfie. And we are
lost. We took the wrong bus this morning and we really need to get back
home by evening otherwise Mum will be worried sick. Ginny though she
noticed a slight sadness and a wince while mentioning Mum but the curly
girl changed her expression and tone to a more chirpy one and reassured

Little by little, the silence started to settle in the yard, and the big gates
opened to allow a black car drive in slowly. The silence grew so much that
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Story of a little girl Ginny in Tacville by Diana Zotescu

boy who was kindly asked to recite a poem and for the fourth time that
day and to her discontent Ginny had to listen to great is your wisdom,
brave is your heart, alike the sun you are and shine on us... Then a little
girl followed describing the history of the Tac family and so Ginny found
out that His Majesty was king of Elfopolis for seven years only, rightfully
taking his throne from a family of criminals and terrorists who ruled the
country for three generations. King Tac was shining his light upon the
people by introducing July as the official and only month of the calendar,
since his majesty could not stand any other season than summer, and was
terribly afraid of rainy days. To support his initiative he even invented
some wind turbines to keep the clouds away and had a legislative
initiative against all those who would wear umbrellas, warm clothes or
mentioned the word rain. These restrictions were mentioned by the head
teacher to all the pupils during a short break and Ginny was dozing with
boredom when she felt pulled out of the crowed by a firm hand.

Ginny could hear her own heart pounding, anxious and not knowing what
to expect. The driver opened the car door while the overly emotional
head teacher announced loudly and hysterically in the microphone: A big
welcome to our King and Benefactor His Majesty, His Sublime Royalty Tac
the 1st. All of a sudden the crowd started to frantically sing the Great is
your wisdom... song and Ginny was sure to have heard some bottoms
and farths around her as well.
His Majesty was a little bald man, wearing a black and white suite and
golden frame glasses, and carrying a silver polished stick in his right hand,
looking somehow in-between a magician and a news presenter, Ginny
thought. She could not put her finger on it but the man had something
feline in him, something mischievous and deceitful, like a cat almost..and
probably Alfie felt the same as he started to move nervously in her
pocket.
The visit started with a short welcoming and thanks giving discourse from
the head teacher that His Majesty listed to smiling with eyes half closed,
almost purring with pleasure. And a number of other speakers followed
each of them expressing how His Majesty supported the development of
the city in numerous aspects to the point where Ginny thought there was
no way His Majesty would be such an expert on a vast array of fields: in
short he seemed to have invented everything worth mentioning in the
past years, designed all the buildings and the factories, wrote all the
school manuals and even did a brain surgery saving the life of a child. He
either is a genius or a complete liar Ginny thought, and she was inclining
towards the latter.

These are our little engineers, our little constructors, bright minds of the
future...little one, his Majesty would like to know your name! the head
teacher said with a fake grin to a still startled Ginny.
The girl felt Alfie biting through her coat and answered in an alert tone:
My name is Ginny, your Majesty, and how are you today?
King Tac was silent but the head teacher continued exposing Ginny to the
crowd My sweet dear girl, I can see in your eyes the joy of being on this
stage with us and feel that you are more than ready to answer some
calculus questions, making proof of our excellent teaching techniques.
Because, we are the best and yes you can. Ginny was not so sure about
that and gulped nervously as the teacher went on. Come on, tell His
majesty how much is forty six minus sixteen? Ginny attempted an

The crowd was getting restless as His Majesty was shifting focus on the
children willing to gain their admiration also. The first target was a little
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Story of a little girl Ginny in Tacville by Diana Zotescu

approximation but could not go beyond twenty-five. The teacher gave her
an odd look and her smile froze while she popped another question. One
by one Ginny failed miserably and she could hear the giggles in the
courtyard but His Majesty was still serene and smiling, showing a perfect
row of very white and fake teeth. Excellent; you are a star Ginny! he
said putting the girls torture to an end. What bright children you have
in your school, Miss Pipe, I could not agree more you have the greatest
teaching techniques indeed. With that the tension on the headmasters
face wore off and at a sign the whole courtyard started to clap.

Werent you afraid up there? Helen asked abruptly. how was he like,
seeing him so closely?

Ginny was sure that not before long she would hear the odious song and
so she did as the visit was over.

I am not Helen said angrily, and her brown eyes gave sparks. But I
hate him. He took our parents away, and put us in a state institution, in
an orphanage. And its not just us there are many, many more children
out there with their parents in jail or worse.

Nope, not at all Ginny lied. Hes like a cat, and through this she meant
all the bad things that anyone can be, for ever since she had Alfie, Ginny
hated cats. The neighbours cat chased the poor hamster for an hour once
until Ginny managed to save him and her hearts wish was never to see
cats around again.
Why do you ask? Are YOU afraid of him Ginny took the turn in asking.

Getting off the stage Ginny felt sickened trying to understand what
happened as deep down she know she messed up all of the questions and
yet, nobody seemed to notice it or correct her. But beyond that a feeling
of hunger struck her and reaching for her sandwich she sat down in the
courtyard under a big willow tree that would hide her entirely.

Ginny felt cold shivers at the thought; she could not imagine her life
without Mum, she always thought all children had parents, and
Christmases with family around the tree and presents. She almost felt like
crying when she asked Helen how that could have been possible.
Our parents used to be the rightful monarchs of Elfopolis and they were
good and kind and everybody loved them. And Elfopolis was a beautiful
place to live in, it was green and lively, and people loved it...they would
work hard but they had a purpose...they knew they would do it for their
land, for their children and for their pride. Elfopolis people were proud to
be who they were and always spoke out their minds and walked their
talk. Tac Petty was then one of my fathers advisers, and my father
trusted him. One August night, seven years ago, shortly after Pete was
born, Tac entered our house with a bunch of armed people and
kidnapped my parents. The following weeks he accused my father or

Chapter 4: where Ginny hears the sad story of Helen of Elfopolis and
Pete and decides to help them out
Ginny was half digging through her sandwich when she heard the soft
rustle of the branches and saw Helens sweet face peeping through. She
was still holding Petes hand and politely asked if there was room for two
more. Ginny nodded and watched the two brothers sit down, Pete
putting his head in Helens lap.

Story of a little girl Ginny in Tacville by Diana Zotescu

Oh no, its not my sweet, dear Helen! Well fight! Were not grownups...well find the way. Tell me, why is Tac so afraid of rain?

state treason, of taking money from the people for his own sake. He said
that people would have been much richer if my father did not steal
...those who spoke against him were put in jail...and everyone is just too
afraid now...because he would kill anyone who opposed him...he is mad,
Tac is mad.

I dont know...it just scares him to death...thats why hes been doing
anything to prevent rain, for years now; it sometimes happens, but when
it does he knows from before and stays inside his palace.

Ginny thought that was the saddest story she ever heard; and she wanted
to help. But many things were still unclear to her.

Alfie squeaked and the girls turned their attention to him. I know why he
is so afraid of rains, that fool, the little hamster said. When you were on
stage with him Ginny I watched him closely. He has a tiny tattoo on his
left hand, three concentric circles. Do you know what this means?

I dont understand Helen. Why did everyone clapped when I was on

stage giving the wrong answers? They all seemed to agree that I was
right. But I was wrong; I know that, kids knew that, I heard the laughs.

Ginny did not know what concentric was but Helen drew three circles one
inside the other in the sandy, dry soil and she understood.

Teachers are afraid too Helen said. They just take after what Tac says.
And theyre teaching children to do the same. All those stupid songs bout
Tacs greatness; in twenty years, children singing to Tac now will think
that is normal to praise him...and they will be used to living in a dry and
arid land, growing up without parents. They will not oppose...they will
have never known freedom and Elfopolis how it used to be. Poor Pete he
will never know Helen said looking at her still baby brother sleeping with
his head in her lap.

Have you ever seen that before Helen? Alfie asked...

Yes, those people coming that night into the house would have the same
on their hands. But I dont know what it means...
Theyre not people Helen. Or at least not as we know them. They are a
mix of cats and humans; not all cats are what they seem. Some of them
can turn into human beings...real people cannot tell the difference, but
hamsters do. I sensed that from the moment the Tacs car entered the
yard. And if they do turn into human, the only way to reverse the process
is a good rain...

And what about those people hanging the apples back in the trees
Helen? Were they the same?
I am afraid so...its just a petty trick to cover that Elfopolis is turning into
a desert; they cant full anyone...but people want to be fooled...theyre
too afraid to fight, although theyve got nothing to lose now...its all lost
anyway.

And this would make Tac and all his people turn into cats again! But
what happens when the rain stops?
Nothing, Alfie said. They stay cats, for very long at least. For their kind,
Tac committed a great sin, trying to rule over humans. People and half
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Story of a little girl Ginny in Tacville by Diana Zotescu

Pete was awake for a while now listening, although he still could not
understand much of it. In a sleepy voice he said oh orchards...last spring,
me and Tom we took the bikes in the direction opposite the school - it
was after the only rain we had that season, and all the trees were in
bloom, it was beautiful...

cats are not supposed to mix, they live in the same world but should not
touch each other; like bears in the North Pole and lions who in natural
circumstances would never meet just in Zoo, maybe. Once half cats
break this rule they are taken away the right to turn into humans. They
stay trapped inside the body of a cat; what would initially seem an
advantage, because they get away with a lot as cats, will turn against
them.

Thats next to the old school building, thats what the driver is talking
about in the letter!! Helen exclaimed. We must go there at once! Its
not far; well get there in half an hour if were quick.

So all we have to do is make it rain...this seems so easy but its oh so

hard. How do you bring the rain? Helen asked. A little light of hope was
flickering in her heart, and Alfie knew this girl would cross mountains to
have her family together again and get rid of Tac.

This explains now why he pointed me in the other direction when he

actually said to go right Ginny thought to herself. Were leaving now
Alfie!

I think we have a clue, Alfie said. Actually, you do Ginny. Its in your right
pocket. But I dont know how it could help us.

The children managed to squeeze through the loose bars of a fence

behind the school building, without anyone seeing them. Not that anyone
would care of Helen of Elfopolis and her brother Pete, or a little strange
girl talking to her mouse. They were safe.

Ginny raised an eye brow and reached for her pocket and all she could
find was the little map from the driver and directions for finding the
school.

Chapter 5: where Ginny does answer the questions right and brings on a
pouring rain

What the driver scribbled was: Pass the orchards, find the school, take
your seat, and just be cool. Answer all the questions right, what you seek
then you shall find.

It was pass noon when Ginny and her friends reached the old school
building and the whole surroundings seemed deserted. The warden at the
gates was nowhere to be seen and the girls reached the front door of the
school building easily. However, as expected it was a sturdy metal door,
and it was well locked. The windows had metal shutters pulled all the way
down, but those were new and this told Ginny that the building was still
in use.

I dont understand this, Alfie? I passed the orchards, and found the
school, and I think I was pretty cool facing those horrible questions and
bearing Tac next to me. What is he talking about?
Something else for sure; because you did not answer the questions
correctly in the first place, and we didnt find anything helpful...

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Story of a little girl Ginny in Tacville by Diana Zotescu

There must be a way in. Or at least we should find a hole for Alfie to get
in and hell help us... Ginny mumbled. And there it was, a narrow
wooden door on the side of the building a little bit chopped at corners.
Alfie squeezed through the tiny hole to find himself in a long hallway,
with flickering light-bulbs giving a very dim light. He started to run very
quickly, almost invisible next to the wall, and Ginny heard with a
heartache the tiny steps moving further and further away.

wooden door. The commander opened the door with a massive key, and
Alfie felt his heart stop, at the idea that the wicked man will catch sight of
the children, and what explanation could they give for being there? But
the commander slammed the door and made his way outside whistling.

What Alfie saw reaching the end of the hallway was the door to a big
room and four or five people fumbling around, working on big computers,
monitoring the movement of clouds, and as far as he understood trying to
blow away any potential sign of rain.

You two, you have to go back, Ginny said. If they catch you inside theyll
throw you in jail or worse. They know who you are, theyll have no mercy.
But I can say I got lost or something, Im not even from Tacville... Helen
knew that Ginny was right, and was torn between going with her and
staying with Pete. Look, you have to take care of your brother...youre
the only one hes got; I neednt say more!

Ginny and the children were nowhere to be seen.

***

Theres a big one coming above Tacville in about an hour. That could be
serious rain, and The King is out visiting the city one hour this afternoon.
Blow it five miles North West, Rupert said a tall man wearing a white
tunic who seemed to be in charge. Alfie noticed the concentric circles on
his hand and felt that same strong repulsion he usually had with cats and
with Tac more recently. The man called Rupert, started to type and talk
quickly as the tall one was leaving the room: I am activating the wind
turbines from the South of the City. They should blow the cloud by the
time the King reaches his new destination. Are you leaving?

Helen started to cry slowly I feel like I found a great friend and now I
have to let you go.
Well meet again Helen I am sure. And if I dont succeed now at least we
know how to get rid of Tac. And I will be fine I promise, I can lie, grownups believe everything I say, she giggled. My Mum she thinks I am a
genius in Maths... but Helen did not smile.
She had lost too many people and did not want to prolong the scene it
was too painful for her. Take care of you Ginny she said, and giving her
a brief hug, turned around holding Petes hand. She walked away quickly,
heading for the city. Watching her leave Ginny thought that Helen, with
her shoulders dropped, and head down had something of an old woman,
burdened by sorrow and worries.

I have to greet his Majesty. We havent seen each other in quite a while,
the commander said with a sleek grin; ever since he named me Head of
Weather Security actually. You can join us when youre done
And as the commander walked away the little group in the room started
to unwind; I wouldnt like him to give me orders neither, Alfie thought,
following the tall man along the dim corridor, heading towards the
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Story of a little girl Ginny in Tacville by Diana Zotescu

And then Ginny returned to the old-school and from behind the trees in
the orchard waited for Alfie to be back. She saw the commander leaving
though she knew not whom he was, but was happy to notice how
carelessly he left the door open. Soon, Alfie was there at her feet and she
picked him up from the grass whispering You found me!; I always do.
Your smell of mint chocolate is unique and Ginny laughed because she
always carried those sweets in her pockets.

map, and she could see the wind blowing away the clouds from above the
city.

We dont have much time Alfie added. Theyll all be leaving soon to see
Tac. They started the wind turbines to keep the rain away but we need to
find a way to get the clouds together over this place and make it rain.

Ginny saw on the screen that the clouds were about 90 miles from
Tackvile and tried to understand how many hours that meant. Thats one
hour and a half I think, until the rain is here. But Tac will be out this
hour only, we dont have that long..I need it to rain in half an
hour...Ginny was trying to make sense of how quickly the wind should
blow to have the rain coming in thirty minutes...if the wind is 60 miles per
hour than three times as fast would be 180 miles per hour..and that
would cut the time to getting the rain to one third...

You need to reverse the wind direction Alfie said. Its North West now,
it should be South East. Ginny pressed the SE button and a computerized
voice confirmed: wind direction South East. Calculate: wind speed sixty
miles per hour.

Ginny was looking at the wooden door that had a hypnotizing power over
her. She opened it slowly and found herself in the dim corridor, with Alfie
in her pocket. Theres a small closet on the left - we can hide there, until
theyre gone he whispered. The little girl saw it and tiptoed to it, tucking
herself in, protected by its darkness, remembering all the times she
would play hide and seek with Mum and Mum would never find her; they
wont find her either, she was sure about it. Not so long after Ginny heard
sounds of steps and voices on the corridor and the door being slammed,
and sadly, closed with the key.

Increase wind speed to 180 miles per hour Ginny said and then waited.
The computerised voice confirmed the command. In less than five
minutes the shutters on the windows started to shake.
Weve started a hurricane Alfie. Does it mean that the rain will come?
Ginny headed towards the windows and peeked outside through a little
hole. She was overlooking the street and to her despair she saw the black
cars pulling outside the building. She knew they were coming and there
was only one way out - the wooden door and that was locked. And all she
needed was just a little bit of time until the rain started. Ginny rushed to
the wooden door and stacked chewing gum and paper through the key
hole no key would fit there now. That would keep them away for a

The girl went out of her hiding place towards the empty weather room,
from where the wind machines were being operated. And as the riddle
said she took her seat trying to make sense of what to do next. She
pushed the power button on what seemed to be a laptop and this opened
suddenly. The clouds were moving quickly on the screen, and it all looked
liked a computer game Ginny wished she was better at those, but truly
she had always preferred reading insted. Tackville was somewhere on the

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Story of a little girl Ginny in Tacville by Diana Zotescu

couple of minutes at least, she thought, and took her hiding place, in the
closet.

brave little girl Ginny. And most of all, you can tell the truth, and the good
from other things, from lies, from what people pretend to be.

She was right. She heard the men swearing and trying to open the door
with the key. And then she heard them screaming and bumping into it.
And finally after struggling for more than ten minutes they managed to
break in. She heard them running towards the control room, and in an
instant she blasted out of the closet screaming.

Ginny said nothing.

Youre safe here. You should sleep a bit.
She did not want to go to sleep. She wanted to talk about all that
happened that day, about Helen of Elfopolis and Pete, the people from
Tacville, the weather room...but her lids were falling heavy on her eyes.
Later she thought.

Its me youre after!!!! and Ginny was crying running for the door
hoping to get the men out, hoping it would be raining, hoping they will all
turn into cats, hoping to see Mum again...She was hearing their steps
getting closer, and she felt something she never did before: she felt fear.
The hole where the door used to be was getting closer and Ginny ran
through it outside feeling the first drops of rain on her cheeks. The men
were still after her...Ginny was approaching the gates, and then the road
and then she saw the school bus waiting for her...the rain was heavy
now...she collapsed on the bus floor shuttered, weak and before the
doors closed she could hear a stringent long, desperate meaowww...

When Ginny woke up it was morning and she was home, in her bedroom;
the sun was tickling her face and she opened her eyes painfully. The smell
of the coffee reached her from the kitchen and she recognized her mums
steps while entering the bedroom.
Its going to be a beautiful Sunday Mum said, putting her hand on
Ginnys forehead. Wonderful, you are not feverish anymore...youre
getting better sweetie. Ive made pancakes!!
Ginny gave a confused smile. Yesterday was Tuesday and she was in
Tacville, she thought.

Chapter 6: and the last one. Where Ginny is home again...

Youve been feverish the whole week Mum said. You must have caught
a cold on Monday, it was pouring cats and dogs when you got home, and
you were as rained as a little kitten. You always forget your umbrella,
you always wear summer clothes. Winter is near little Miss! You got me
so worried!!The doctor came in twice Ginnys mum liked talking just as
much as the little girl liked being silent and she went on and on...and
Helen came to see you, and the little boy next door, Fred was here with

Not the kind of weather to be outside running the driver said. Time to
go home now, school is over; its five oclock, he added with a wink.
Ginny was no longer brave. In her right hand she could feel Alfie, warm
and fluffy, biting on her fingers. She took the seat behind the driver. His
face looked serious now. I knew you would find the school. You are a

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Story of a little girl Ginny in Tacville by Diana Zotescu

the cat...imagine you got out of bed and kicked him right outside the
room screaming that he will hurt Alfie...I thought you would kill that poor
cat..you had your fingers around her neck good.. Her mum sighed and
kissed her forehead.
Wheres Alfie? Ginny asked in a weak voice.
Doing your calculus homework Mum said with a smile. Hes fine,
sweetie. Up now, breakfast is waiting.
Ginny could not believe it had all been a dream, for some things seemed
awfully real, but stopped wondering. She would find all the answers later;
the most important thing now was that she knew about herself to be one
of the few people who could tell the truth and the good when she saw it.
And defend it. Just like her father...

THE END

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