Коралина / Coraline

”

Coraline couldnКјt see what the chocolates were, in the dark. She took an experimental bite of one which turned out to be coconut. Coraline didnКјt like coconut. She gave it to the dog.

“Thank you,” said the dog.

“Youʼre welcome,” said Coraline.

Miss Forcible and Miss Spink were doing some acting. Miss Forcible was sitting on a stepladder, and Miss Spink was standing at the bottom.

“Whatʼs in a name?” asked Miss Forcible. “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

”

“Have you got any more chocolates?” said the dog.

Coraline gave the dog another chocolate.

“I know not how to tell thee who I am,” said Miss Spink to Miss Forcible.

“This bit finishes soon,” whispered the dog. “Then they start folk dancing.”

“How long does this go on for?” asked Coraline. “The theater?”

“All the time,” said the dog. “For ever and always.”

“Here,” said Coraline. “Keep the chocolates.

”

“Thank you,” said the dog. Coraline stood up.

“See you soon,” said the dog.

“Bye,” said Coraline. She walked out of the theater and back into the garden. She had to blink her eyes at the daylight.

Her other parents were waiting for her in the garden, standing side by side. They were smiling.

“Did you have a nice time?” asked her other mother.

“It was interesting,” said Coraline.

The three of them walked back up to CoralineКјs other house together.

Coralineʼs other mother stroked Coralineʼs hair with her long white fingers. Coraline shook her head. “Donʼt do that,” said Coraline.

Her other mother took her hand away.

“So,” said her other father. “Do you like it here?”

“I suppose,” said Coraline. “Itʼs much more interesting than at home.”

They went inside.

“Iʼm glad you like it,” said Coralineʼs mother. “Because weʼd like to think that this is your home.

You can stay here for ever and always. If you want to.”

“Hmm,” said Coraline. She put her hand in her pockets, and thought about it. Her hand touched the stone that the real Misses Spink and Forcible had given her the day before, the stone with the hole in it.

“If you want to stay,” said her other father, “thereʼs only one little thing weʼll have to do, so you can stay here for ever and always.”

They went into the kitchen.