It was huge, larger than the largest pavilion at the Show. Against one wall were deep couches and armchairs, with coffee tables between them on which were large round bowls of lollies and chocolates. Through one door Edsel saw a room lined with computers and game consoles and giant screens, and through another was a room filled with table tennis and pool tables and chess sets and foosball tables. A sign pointed to the indoor pool and water slide, and the tall windows along one side opened onto more of the park, and playing fields, and even a couple of roller-coasters poking up above a stand of trees in the distance. And so many kids. And yet the place wasn’t crowded. So many kids, making the kind of noise that lots of contented, happy kids make. But the noise almost stopped as Edsel and Richard stepped through the door, with Bob trailing behind. All eyes turned towards them, and Edsel suddenly felt very much on display. ‘Everyone, this is Robert,’ Richard said. ‘Please help him – and Bob – to feel welcome.’ A chorus of greetings met Edsel, and a number of children stood up and came across to shake his hand.
