Oliver wanted to scream at them that this was all Chriss fault, but the threat of harm from his brother was too great. Chris stood there glowering at him. There was nothing Oliver could do except take his parents harsh, unjust words.

So? Mom finished. Where exactly is your Lordship planning on sleeping then?

Chris smirked as Oliver glanced about him. As far as he could see, the downstairs area was the shape of a letter L, with a living room leading to a dining room of sortswhich was really just a corner containing nothing more than a rickety tableand then a kitchen around the corner. There was no extra room downstairs, just an open-plan setup.

Oliver couldnt believe this was happening. All their houses had been horrible but at least hed had a bedroom.

Behind him, Oliver saw there was a slight indentation, perhaps from a fireplace that had been removed years before. It was little more than an alcove but what other option was there? He was going to have to sleep in a corner! With no privacy at all!

And what about all his secret inventions, the ones he worked on at night when no one was looking? He knew if Chris found out what he was doing hed ruin it. Hed probably stamp his inventions to dust. Without his own room and somewhere to keep all his secret bits and bobs, Oliver wouldnt be able to work on them at all!

Oliver genuinely considered the kitchen cupboard, wondering whether that might actually be better. But he decided mice nibbling on his inventions would be just as bad as Chris stomping on them. So he decided that, with a little imaginationa curtain, a shelf, some lights, that sort of thingthe alcove could almost be a bit like a bedroom.

There, Oliver said quietly, pointing at the alcove.

There? his mom exclaimed.

Chris let out one of his bark-laughs. Oliver glared at him. Dad just tutted and shook his head.

Hes a strange boy, he said flippantly, to no one in particular. Then he let out an exaggerated sigh, as if this whole disagreement had been very trying for him. But if he wants to sleep in the corner, let him sleep in the corner. Im beyond knowing what to do with him.

Fine, Mom said, exasperated. Youre right, though. Hes getting more peculiar every day.

The three of them turned away, heading toward the kitchen. Over his shoulder, Chris grinned at Oliver and whispered, Freak.