The Fold

Fighting Words: An extract from a story by 6th class, Strawberry Hill National School, Cork city

Illustration: Marie Stamp

The night that ruined Chad’s life… “I fold,” he whispered reluctantly. Those two words haunted him for the rest of his life. He walked out of the casino with his signature Crash Bandicoot backpack, when he heard a crunching noise from the bushes. He tried to ignore it, but it kept coming closer and closer. His friend Mmmbop Que emerged from the bush.

Illustration by Marie Stamp

“Hallo my good friend,” he said, waving his hand. “Haven’t seen you in a long time.”

“I was just playing poker with you,” Chad said.

Mmmbop Que offered him a piece of chocolate cake. “Please put that away,” Chad replied. Chad backed away slowly.

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“It’s only a bit of chocolate cake,” Mmmbop Que mumbled. “I don’t have the stomach for that,” Chad said. Mmmbop Que reached for Chad’s Crash Bandicoot backpack containing his only valuable possession, a 1985 baseball card valued at thirty grand. “Hey, don’t touch that,” Chad shouted, “Noooooooo!” Chad’s heart sank…