height, and be strong, and independent, but every week, when we begin to grow, someone comes along with a roaring machine and smashes our heads off. Millions of us die! Our green blood is splashed everywhere. Young and old, mothers and fathers, all of us cut down without mercy! Who would do such a thing?"

"I don't know," I said.

"Just let us live for a while, and we will give you anything you want!" said the whispery voices.

"Anything?" I asked.

"Anything within reason."

"OK," I said, "I've always wanted a brother. Can you give me a brother?"

"We'll try."

"Its a deal!"

And then I woke up. I tell you, it was me weirdest thing. I didn't know whether it had really happened or what, but I thought I'd at least give the grass-people a try. But then Mum came to nag me again.

"Its half past ten. Get up!"

"I can't do the lawns today. Mum."

"Why not?"

"Its an... experiment. I have to let them grow."

"What kind of experiment? For school?"

"School?"

"Yes, school. Are you deaf?"

"Er, yes. It's a school experiment. The teacher wants us to let the lawns grow ... to see what happens."

Mum looked at me very doubtfully.

"All the lawns?" she asked.

"Er no, just the ones round the back." (They were the biggest ones).

"And how long do you intend to leave the lawns?"

"About a week. Don't worry Mum, I'll get on to them. It's a very important science experiment. I want to get really high marks for it. Please?"