Yes, yes, that’s right!” I cried down the phone.

It was a horrible day. I was just about to leave the house that morning, when my dog, Digby, shot out. Distraught as I was, I plucked up the courage to phone an animal centre for help. Just as I had replaced the phone, I turned to see Digby in the doorway. In his mouth was a crumpled up piece of paper. I edged towards him, anxious to see the sheet of paper. Digby whimpered. I knew he was excited.

Two days later, I trudged out of the front door, a suitcase in one hand and Digby’s leash in the other. The piece of paper was a map to a secret island, and all I had to do was find a blue gate with a red handle. With bribery like the map, I would have no problem finding it. Describing a beautiful bay made me feel more determined than ever and, for some reason, I didn’t have any doubts. As I turned a corner, a marvellous surprise awaited me. Blue gate, red handle! I had found it. Reaching for the handle I felt silly. All of a sudden I went dizzy and began to fall… “Ouch!”

Landing on soft gold sand came as a fright. The sea slapped at the shore. I had arrived!

Read a different beginning

What happens next?