There was some writing on the inside of the lid that was old-fashioned and swirly. She read it out:

‘This chest shall only be opened by a Keeper of the Unicorns’ Secrets. You, like the other Keepers of Secrets around the world, have been chosen to help the secret unicorns and their friends. The book will help you in this work. Share its wisdom but do not try to do everything. Remember that each unicorn and their friend must find their own way. Guard the book well and let no harm ever come to a unicorn from the words you say.’

Lauren stared at the writing. ‘What? I’m what?’

She read it again and looked at Twilight. ‘I’m a Keeper of the Unicorns’ Secrets,’ she said, hardly able to take it in. ‘I’ve got to help other Unicorn Friends. Oh, Twilight, was Mrs Fontana a Keeper of the Unicorns’ Secrets too?’ Twilight nodded. His eyes were wide.

Lauren looked at the words. ‘But how can I ever do what Mrs Fontana did?’ she exclaimed. As she spoke, a picture of Mrs Fontana sprang into her mind – Mrs Fontana with her blue eyes sparkling and a wise smile on her old face.

A sob tore through Lauren.

‘Mrs Fontana. Oh, Mrs Fontana!’ she said. Throwing her arms around Twilight’s neck, she started to cry. Twilight nuzzled her hair over and over again.

Eventually the sobs subsided and Lauren’s tears slowly dried up. Wiping her sleeve across her face, she sniffed. Her head was aching and her eyes felt sore.

Twilight breathed softly on her face, drying her remaining tears.

‘I wish I could turn you into a unicorn,’ she whispered, her heart aching. ‘I’ll turn you into a unicorn as soon as I can tonight.’

Twilight nodded.

‘Lauren!’ Mrs Foster called from the house.

Lauren took a deep breath. ‘Coming,’ she called. Giving Twilight a last hug, she walked slowly up the path.

CHAPTER

Ten

Mrs Foster looked at Lauren’s face as she walked into the kitchen. ‘Oh, Lauren,’ she said softly. She hurried over and hugged her.

Not wanting to start crying again, Lauren swallowed hard.

‘Mrs Fontana was old, honey,’ her mum said. ‘She wasn’t well. I know it’s dreadful but at least she won’t be in pain any more. Come on, sit down.’ She led her to the table. ‘You don’t have to eat anything if you don’t want to, but try. It might make you feel a little better.’

Hannah looked at her sympathetically as she sat down. ‘We don’t have to go

out for that ride this afternoon. I guess you don’t feel like it.’

Lauren hesitated. For the first time in her life she didn’t feel like going out riding with her friends but she knew how much Hannah had been looking forward to it. And if she didn’t go, she’d just hang around feeling unhappy. ‘It’s OK,’ she said quietly. ‘We can still go.’