Oliver took a deep breath. He wandered over to the alcove and placed his case on the floor by his feet. There was nowhere to put his clothes; no shelves or drawers, and next to no space to fit his bedassuming his parents even got him a bed. But he would make do. He could hang a curtain for privacy, make some shelves out of wood, and construct a pull-out drawer for under his bedthe bed he hoped to getso there was at least somewhere safe to store his inventions.

Besides, if he were to look on the positivesomething Oliver always tried his hardest to dohe was right beside a big window, which meant hed have plenty of light and views to gaze out at.

He rested his elbows on the ledge now and gazed out at the gray October day. It was very windy outside, with rubbish blowing across the street. Opposite his house was a damaged car and a rusty washing machine that had been dumped there. It was definitely a poor neighborhood, Oliver decided. One of the worst theyd ever lived in.

The wind blew, making the glass of the windows rattle, and a breeze came through a gap in the woodwork. Oliver shivered. For October, the weather was much colder than it usually was in New Jersey. Hed even heard a report on the radio of a huge storm coming. But Oliver loved storms, especially when there was thunder and lightning.

He sniffed as the smell of cooking swirled in his nostrils. Turning back from the window, he ventured around the corner to the kitchen area. His mom was standing at the stove, stirring a big pot of something.

Whats for dinner? he asked.

Meat, she said. And potatoes. And peas.

Olivers stomach grumbled in anticipation. His family always ate simple meals, but Oliver didnt mind that much. He had simple tastes.

Go and wash your hands, boys, Dad said from where he sat at the table.

From the corner of his eye, Oliver caught sight of Chriss mean grin and already knew his brother had another cruel torment up his sleeve. The last thing he wanted to do was get trapped in the bathroom with Chris, but Dad looked up again from the table, his eyebrows raised.

Do I have to say everything twice? he complained.

There was no way out of it. Oliver left the room, Chris right on his tail. He hurried up the stairs, making a beeline for the bathroom in an attempt to get the hand-washing over and done with as quickly as possible. But Chris was right there in pursuit, and as soon as they were out of their parents earshot, he grabbed Oliver and shoved him into the wall.

Guess what, squirt, he said.

What? Oliver said, bracing himself.

Im really, really hungry tonight, Chris said.

So? Oliver replied.