About this story
Resentment turns into a city built from books, chessmen, and candlesticks, until the nursery vanishes and the toys become full-sized streets under a real moon. Guards arrest you as a trespasser, and Lucy, who followed you, is judged beside you. A wooden figure from her toy ark begs you both to escape before dawn, though he will not say whether you are meant to save this city or destroy it.
How it opens
HelenFor ten years we have been family, pupil and teacher, and closest playmates together.
HelenOur imaginary island can have another harbor today if you build the map after lessons.
Then a tall stranger began visiting, and Helen broke the rule that neither of you kept secrets.
Mr. GrahamI hope we shall become friends, Philip; my daughter Lucy is nearly your age.
Friendship cannot be announced before the people inside it have chosen.
HelenNo, but change can arrive before either person feels ready for it.