FITRI ZUHAIRI

MRSM PDRM | KULIM KEDAH

CATCH US IF
YOU CAN
Catherine MacPhail

NAME; Fitri Zuhairi B Ghazali

College no: 29122
School: MJSC PDRM

CONTENTS
TITLE
PAGE
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
WRITERS
BACKGROUND
SYNOPSIS OF THE
NOVEL
PLOT OF CHAPTERS
SETTING
THEMES
CHARACTER
AND
CHARACTERISTICS
MORAL VALUES
REFERENCE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Thanks to Allah The Almighty because of His blessings, I managed to complete this
course work in such a meaningful way.
Beside, much appreciation to my beloved parents for the support and for acting as a
source to give ideas and brilliant thoughts.
Moreover, millions of thanks to all the English teacher of MJSC PDRM Kulims
Language Department for giving plenty of information to me in the process of completing
this folio.
Last but not least, thank you all my families who are willed to share information
regarding this folio in order for all of us complete this course work.

AUTHORS BACKGROUND

Catherine MacPhail ( born 25 January 1946, Greenock) is a Scottish-born

author, who has an established reputation as a writer of gritty, urban stories that
tackle emotional and contemporary issues that eventually work towards a
positive solution. Although she has had jobs (assembling computers for IBM
and as a housewife), she always wanted to be a writer. Her first published work
was a sort of "twist-in-the-tale" story in Titbits, followed by a story in the Sunday
Post.
In addition to writing books for children around their teens, she also writes for
adults and is the author of the BBC Radio 2 series.

SYNOPSIS OF THE NOVEL

Chapter 1: At the Doctors

Rory and Granda were at Dr Nicols clinic. While waiting to be called, Granda was his
usual self- carious, friendly and unable to keep still. He opened the door for a young mother
and started talking to her bonny baby. Suddenly, the smell of smoke was in the air. The young
mother was panicked and pointed out that Granda was on fire. Smoke was belching out of his
pocket. The smoke alarm went off. Granda twisted himself round to see his burning pocket
and Rory quickly threw a vase of water over him.
Granda and Rory were with Dr. Nicol. Granda complained to the doctor that Rory tried to
drown him. Dr. Nicol was amused and said they were double act who made him laugh. He
commented that Granda was lucky to have Rory as a grandson. He said he would try his best
to get them a home help as Rory could not be doing everything from shopping to cooking to
cleaning himself. Granda insisted he help out as well and Rory loyally agreed. On their way
out, Dr Nicol questioned Rory about Grandas memory. As soon as they left, Dr Nicol got on
the phone.

Chapter 2:
Jotter

Rorys Homework

Rory could not find his homework jotter. Granda said he had probably kept it in Rorys
school bag. This worried Rory as he knew Granda hardly kept things in their correct place.
He had already been told off by his teacher, Mrs. Foley, for forgetting his homework three
times that week. Suddenly, Granda shouted that he remembered putting the homework jotter

in Rorys school bag when he was putting the garbage down the chute. Rory got scared. He
looked into his bag and sure enough, found the bag of garbage there.
Rory asked his classmates to help him think of an excuse to give Mrs. Foley. They tried to
help as they all loved Granda and thought his exploits were funny. Rory did not even have to
embellish those stories to make his friends laugh. In the end, Rory told Mrs. Foley he had lost
his homework. When Mrs. Foley asked Rory to stay back during lunchtime to do his
homework, Rory refused and gave the excuse that Granda would have prepared lunch for
him. In actual fact, it was Granda who relied on Rory to get lunch ready. Rory felt he had to
look after Granda now that Granda was getting old and forgetful.

Chapter
Granda

3:

At

Home

with

Rory did not want to go for football practice. The coach, Mr. Hood, told him that he was a
good player. When Rory said he was no longer interested, Darren commented that Rory was
turning into lassie.
Darren was of the opinion that Granda should be placed in a home. His mother said the
same thing too. This upset Rory because he knew Granda would rather die than stay in the
dark and forbidding local old folks home.
Rory tried to coach Granda on how to behave during Parents Night. It was not an easy
task as Granda kept making jokes. But Rory kept trying as he wanted to reassure Mrs. Foley
that Granda was normal.
That evening, Rory asked Granda about Rorys father. Granda became angry at the mention
of his son. He told Rory that he and Rorys grandmother had spoiled the boy. When he got
tired of things, he threw them aside. When he grew up, he did the same with Rory and Rorys
mother. Granda softened when he talked about Rorys mother. The memory of Rorys father

leaving the family was still fresh in Grandas mind and he became agitated. Rory, who
wanted to know more, had no choice but to calm him down.

Chapter 4: Parents Night

Rory and Granda were late for Parents Night. As they walked in, Mrs. Foley gave them a
look of disapproval. Darren greeted Granda and dared him to call Mrs. Foley Holy Foley.
Rory did not permit it. Granda got excited and had to use the toilet. As Rory waited for him in
the classroom, he worried Granda might forget why they were in school and went back home.
Rory was relieved when Granda returned to the classroom. It was their turn to speak to
Mrs Foley and Granda was started off well. Suddenly, he peered at her and remarked that she
indeed had o moustache. Rory felt extremely embarrassed but before anything else could
happen, they smelt smoke in the classroom. Grandas coat was on fire!
Granda had sneaked a puff on his pipe when he went to the toilet and had left it
smoldering in his coat pocket. Mrs. Foleys coat hanging next to Grandas also caught fire.
The fire alarms went off and everyone was ushered to the playground. Granda and the rest of
Rorys classmates found the entire incident funny and exciting but Rory did not. He was
looking at Mrs. Foleys expression that seemed the indicate their troubles were not over.

Chapter 5: The Fire

All of Rorys friends discussed the fire excitedly and exaggerated the incident. However,
Rory was worried about the questions that would be raised about Grandas carelessness.
Darrens mother had commented on the danger of such a thing happening in the middle of the
night and that Rory should not have to bear such a heavy responsibility it was then.

Val Jessup, a social worker, visited Rory and Granda. She checked Grandas pension
books to make sure he was getting his full range of benefits. She said she would organize a
home help for them as well.
When Rory told Mrs. Foley about them getting a social worker and home help, she was
relieved. During lunchtime, when Rory went to the bakers, he was told that the Fire Brigade
was at his flats and someone had been taken away in an ambulance. Rory ran home
immediately. He saw a crowd round to the building and policemen standing at the entrance.
He tried to dodge through them but was caught. Then, his neighbor, Mrs. MacKay, saw him
and she criticized Granda for starting the fire. This upset Rory. A policeman comforted Rory
and told him that Granda had been sent to the hospital. The fire was caused by a chip pan
Granda had left on the stove.

Chapter 6: Granda in Hospital

A policemen took Rory to the hospital to see Granda. Rory felt numb and did not register
what the policewoman was telling him. He feared the worst might have happened.
When Rory entered Grandas room, his knees went weak. All round Granda were drips and
needles and monitors. The oxygen mask on Grandas face made him look like an alien. The
nurse comforted Rory but Rory only felt reassured by the warmth of Grandas hand. Rory sat
with Granda until evening and prayed to God for Granda to wake up.
Val Jessup came in later. She looked nervous and Rory felt something was not right. It was
getting late and Val said it was time Rory got some sleep. However, when Rory wanted to go
back to his flat, Val said that he was not allowed to do that. Instead, she would be taking him
to the place he dreaded most the childrens home at Castle Street. Rory felt scared. He did
not want to go there. However, he felt that it could be Gods plan for him and Granda. So, he
allowed himself to be driven to the childrens home at Castle Street.

Chapter 8: Childrens Home at

Castle Street
The childrens home at Castle Street looked like something out of a ghost story. Rory
wished he could turn back time and had the chance to hide or throw the chip pan. He snapped
at Val when she asked if he was all right and got out of the car. A tall, gangly boy, Tony,
welcomed Rory to the home. He introduced Rory to some of the children sitting at the table
having supper. Rory joined them and they talked for a while. They seemed pretty nice except
for one girl, Tess, who came in later and created a lot of fuss. She yelled at Rory for sitting at
her place and kicked at the table, sending mugs and tess everywhere.
Rory was placed in a room with Tom and Jackie. His bed was snug in a corner and had
clean sheets. It looked comfortable. However, Rory could not sleep because his head was a
jumble of emotions. He thought about the event of the day and about what Tess could do to
him. He clutched his duvet and tried not to cry.

Chapter 8:
Hospital

Visiting Granda in

Rory fell asleep but woke up every hour during the night. By the time Tom and Jackie got
ready to go to school, Rory was already dressed. They went down for breakfast and saw Tess
seated there. Rory sat as far away from her as he could. Later, Tony phoned the hospital and
was told Granda was awake and had even eaten some breakfast. Rory was delighted and told
Val the news as soon as she arrived to pick him up.
When Rory and Val stepped out of the hospital lift, they could hear Granda thanking the
nurses loudly. Rory ran to Grandas room and they hugged each other tightly. Rory said he
thought Granda was going to die but Granda aid he was too tough for that to happen. When
Rory asked about the fire, Granda explained that he was trying to cook some chips. He had
left the chip pan on the stove while rummaging in the wardrobe for potatoes.

When Granda asked Rory where he stayed the night before, Rorys hesitation in answering
was enough of an answer. Granda became agitated when he found out Rory had stayed at
Castle Street and began to struggle to get out of the bed. Val and the nurse had to calm him
down and Rory had to assure Granda that he would only live at Castle Street until Granda
was ready to come home. When Granda said that he will be home the next day, Rory saw the
look that passed between Val and the nurse and felt afraid.

Chapter 9:
Home?

When Can We Go

Val took Rory back to the flat. The walls were blackened, the furniture were damaged and
the air was filled with the smell of smoke. Rory felt like crying when he saw Grandas mug
and other familiar things in the flat. He began packing his clothes and Grandas medicines.
When Rory asked if he could have the flat painted before Granda was released from the
hospital, Val told him not to worry about that for a moment. This made Rory worry. How
long was he going to stay at the Castle Street? He did not want to live there for long because
Tess scared him.
As the days passed, Tess seemed to grow angrier with Rory. She even tried to strangle him
when he said she took after her mother. Rory kept hoping to get out of the childrens home
and return to his flat. Granda felt the same too but they could not do anything. That night, Val
called to say that she had something important to tell him the next day and for the entire
night, Rory felt afraid.

Chapter 10: Rory and Mrs. Foley

At school the next day, Mrs. Foley questioned Rory about his stay at Castle Street. She
seemed so concerned that he told her all about Tess. Mrs. Foley felt that Rory should not stay
at the place. She said that she was going to give Val Jessup a call. Darren warned Rory that is
Foley might want to foster him. The thought terrified Rory. He insisted that was not possible
as Granda would be released from the hospital soon. Darren, however, voiced Rorys fears by
9

saying that Granda might not be doing as well as Rory thought. Rory felt scared and went
straight to the hospital at lunchtime.
Rory headed for Grandas room. They were no nurses round and Rory opened the door to
Grandas room. He got a shock. Grandas bed had been stripped and the room was empty of
Grandas things. His first thought was Granda was dead.

Chapter 11: Wheres Granda?

Everything seemed to fall into place for Rory. He understood now why the nurses exchanged
looks when Granda said he was getting better and why Val wanted to speak to him. Rory
started screaming for Granda. A staff nurse and two nurses rushed into the room and tried to
calm him. A call was made to Val Jessup. The staff nurse, Maureen, assured Rory that Granda
was fine. He had been moved. She said Val would take Rory to Granda shortly.
Val Jessup arrived at the hospital and told Rory that they had to move Granda elsewhere.
She looked troubled when she said this. Then, Val explained gently that Rory could not take
the responsibility of looking after Granda anymore. Granda was not fit enough to go home
with Rory. So, he had been placed in Rachnadar.

Chapter 12: Rachnadar

Rory had never seen Granda cry, not even when Rorys grandmother passed away. But
when Rory entered the ward at Rachnadar, he saw Granda sitting on his bed with tears on his
face. Rory started crying as well and ran to hug Granda. Granda asked Rory if he was there to
take him home and that upset Rory even more. Granda pleaded with Rory not to let him stay
at Rachnadar; it was a place where unwanted old folks lived. Granda became so agitated that
the nurses had to give him something to make him sleep.

10

To make matters worse, back at the childrens home at Castle Street, Tess was at her worst
behavior. Rory could not tolerate it and yelled at her. Tess attacked Rory and punched him on
the nose.
The days became more unbearable for Rory. In school, he was afraid of Mrs. Foley. At
Castle Street, he had to keep clear of Tess. At Rachnadar, Granda retreated further and further
into his own world. One day, Rory found him at the emergency exit beside his room. Granda
talked about the old days when people cared and looked out for one another. Granda said that
he would run away if he was younger. Rory felt afraid to hear Granda speaking that way. He
began to think of his options and decided what he would do. He and Granda would run away.

Chapter 13: The Great Escape

Rory began planning his Great Escape. Darren suggested that Rory and Granda run to
his mothers caravan. He sneaked Rory the spare key and told him to leave soon. Rory
already had a plan in mind. On the day of the escape, he would wedge open the door to the
emergency exit when he visited Granda, go back to the Castle Street with Val, grab his and
Grandas rucksacks, return to Grandas room by the way of the emergency exit and then creep
out of the hospital. They would take the train to the park where Darrens mothers caravan
was located.
When the day arrived, Rory felt extremely nervous. He opened the emergency exit during
visiting hours and hoped nobody would notice him missing from Castle Street when he
escaped later. Rory was lucky. That night, he returned to Rachnadar without any problems.
Signaling to Granda to be silent, Rory began stuffing Grandas things into the rucksack and
helped him to wear his coat and shoes. Granda kept asking where they were going but Rory
did not answer until they were ready to leave. Then, he told Granda they were running away.

Chapter 14: The Caravan

11

Rory felt God was helping him because everything went smoothly. They crossed the
grounds of Rachnadar and in spite of Grandas yells whenever he walked into bushes or
nettles, no one was alerted. They made it to the train station and got off at the pier head. Rory
guided Granda up a long winding path leading to the caravan site. Granda panted from
exhaustion but kept reassuring Rory he was all right. Rory felt scared for Granda but
reminded himself if Granda were to die, at least he would die a free man.
Rory and Granda reached Darrens mothers caravan. It was located at a secluded spot at
the caravan site. Granda realized where they were and began laughing with joy. The caravan
was luxurious and crammed with food. Suddenly, Rory noticed tears on Grandas face.
Granda expressed appreciation for what Rory had done for him. Rory was touched for by this
and wanted to cry too. Then, they had supper and Granda went to bed. Rory stood on the
veranda of the caravan thinking that they would have been missed by now. However, he knew
he had done the right thing. He would rather die than be separated from Granda again.

Chapter 15: Fishing by the Pond

The next morning, Rory immediately checked his mobile phone and was glad there was no
text message from Darren. Darren was supposed to warn Rory if they had been discovered.
When Rory walked to the kitchen, he was surprised to see that Granda had prepared
breakfast. Granda looked like his old self capable and in charge. Rory began to sing with
happiness and Granda joined in. Rory felt it was the best breakfast he had ever eaten.
After eating, Rory and Granda decided to go for a walk. Granda was annoyed at Rory for
forgetting to bring his pipe. However, the beautiful scenery and their freedom won him over
and he was back to his happy self. They walked to a pond and Rory suggested that Granda
catch some fish. Granda happily agreed. They spent the afternoon fishing. Granda managed
to catch a fish and when they hauled it in, they began laughing with joy. They laugh so much
they almost did not hear footsteps in the bushes behind them.

Chapter 16: Happy Days

12

Rory tensed when he heard footsteps. Granda an grossed in the fish, did not hear it. Rory
took a thick branch and stood defiantly between Granda and the person coming through the
bushes. Then, a man and a boy came out through the undergrowth. They look at Rory and
Granda warily and asked them a few questions. Suddenly, Granda stood up and harshly told
them to move off and mind their own business. The man answered harshly as well and went
away.
After they had left, Granda rudely referred to them as tinkers. Rory said it was not
politically to call them that: travelers was a most suitable word. Later, Granda told Rory
about his childhood when his father taught how to prepare a fish, a skill he had passed on to
his son. However, he quickly changed the subject, saying he had no son and that Rory was his
only son. Rory worried that the man and boy might report them to the police but Granda
assured Rory that that would not happen. Those people stayed away from the police as well.
Over the next few days, Rory felt that Granda seemed to be much more alert and less
confused. However, Rory knew they could not stay there forever. Sure enough, the next day,
Darren sent Rory a massage saying people were coming for them.

Chapter 17: On the Run

Rory and Granda immediately began packing their things. Rory double-checked that he
had all Grandas medicines, some food, and warm clothes. He kept his ears cocked for the
sound of a police siren. They walked down the winding road and Rory kept a lookout for
police cars. Rory heard the distance hum of a police siren and pulled Granda into the nearby
bushes.
They were about to reach the road when Rory heard the police car coming from behind
them. He pulled Granda back into the bushes. The police car stopped at the entrance of the
park, followed shortly by two more police cars. Rory was angry that police were wasting
their time looking for an old man and a boy when they could looking for criminals. Granda,
in a quivering voice, told Rory to run so that he could surrender and the search might be
called off. Rory refused, saying they would either go back together or escape together.
13

The police began spread out, some heading straight for them. There was nowhere to run.
At that moment, a hand clamped round Rorys mouth. Rory panicked but saw it was the man
they had met that day. Another man had clamped Grandas mouth shut. Softly, the man told
Rory that they were going to help them.

Chapter 18: Kindred Spirits

Rory could not believe what was happening but somehow he trusted the man. Granda
struggled at first but stopped when Rory told him everything was all right. The men took
them through a pathway until they reach a caravan and a large camper van. The boy they met
the other day, Tyrone, opened the door and asked them to come in. Granda sat on a seat
tiredly and closed his eyes. Rory took Grandas pills, forced them into his mouth and made
him drink some water.
Rory asked Tyrone and his mother why they were helping them when they did not know
anything about them. Throne said Rory and Granda were on television every night. They
recognized them as the people they met that day and decided to help them. Furthermore,
Tyrones mother understood their situation as social workers had been interfering in her
family too.
Tyrones mother introduced herself as Ruby. She and Granda got along immediately. As
they moved out of the caravan site, Rory looked out of the window and saw three police cars
at the entrance. Rory felt fearful when the police glanced at their caravan but they managed to
leave the place safely.

Chapter 19: Feeling Carefree

Rory woke up the next morning and recalled the traumatic events of the night before.
Granda was still sleeping. When Ruby called him for breakfast, he came out and sat with
Sammy, Tyrones father. Rory apologized for Grandas behavior at the pond but Sammy
waved it aside. Then, Granda came in and sat down with them. He eyed Sammy suspiciously

14

but was very pleasant to Ruby. Sammy told Rory and Granda that they were heading up north
for a family members birthday.
Tyrone switched on the television to show Rory and Granda how famous they had
become. They made the top story on the Scottish news. Val Jessup appeared on screen and
appealed to Rory and Granda to get in touch. The authorities were worried about them both
especially Granda. Darrens mother appeared next and emphasized that Rory should bring
Granda back as he was not well. Rory began to wonder if he did the right thing. However,
Granda pounded the table and insisted he would rather die of cold and hunger, and be free.

Chapter 20: Family Ties

Sammy traveled north through country roads. Along the journey, Tyrone spoke happily of
his life being a series of adventures. Even Granda enjoyed himself. He sat in front of the
caravan with Sammy. He was warming up to Sammy and thought Ruby was marvelous
person. As they went their way, they saw a posters of Granda and Rory. Rory worried that
Sammy and his family might get in trouble for helping them but Sammy reassured them that
there was no problem. When Rory wanted to pay Ruby for their meals, Ruby refused, saying
that they were sincere in helping them. Rory learnt from them onwards never to judge anyone
again.
When they reached their destination, the two families greeted each other affectionately.
Granda and Rory were introduced to Bernie, Bernies wife and his children, Zara and Joshua.
Bernie told Granda that the authorities were widening the net looking for them. They should
start thinking of what they were going to do next. Sammy told them not to worry about it yet
and just enjoy themselves for the night.

Chapter 21: The Party

Bernie brought out a guitar and began playing it during dinner. They sang songs and Ruby
got Granda to dance with her. Rory had seen Granda in such a happy and carefree mood in a
15

long time. All doubts about whether he had done the right thing by taking Granda away
cleared up.
When Ruby said she could read fortunes and offered to read Grandas, Granda told Ruby
to read Rorys fortune instead. Ruby took Rorys hand and closed her eyes. She said that
people who were after them who were closing in but they would not catch them. Instead,
Rory would have no choice but to go to them later. She said that they would experience many
adventures and also meet people who would be helpful and people whom they could not trust.
Rory would also find the thing he was looking for and his life would change. However, he
would experience a terrible sadness sorts. When Rory questioned if Granda would be all
right, Ruby did not gave him an answer.

Chapter 22: Saying Goodbye

The next morning, Tyrone woke Rory up to watch the news on television. The report
mentioned that some travelers had left the caravan site at the same time Rory and Granda
were last seen there. The travelers were urged to get in touch with the authorities. Rory knew
at once they could not stay with Sammy any more. He and his family would get into trouble.
Tyrone was not happy with this but Ruby explained that it was time for Rory to move on. On
television, people were felt that Granda was being irresponsible. Others sympathized with
Rory and Granda and agreed with their decision to run away.
They woke Granda up and Rory explained the situation to him. Sammy and Bernie said
they had family in Glasgow; Rory and Granda should head there to take shelter for a while.
As Rory and Granda had to go by train, Ruby suggested they sit in separate carriages to avoid
attention. Sammy and his family drove them to the train station. Ruby hugged Granda tightly
and Sammy gave Rory his mobile phone number in case he needed help. Rory felt sad to
watch them go and Granda was already crying. Granda said he would never call them
thinkers again.

16

Chapter 23: Granda Hits Back

Rory and Granda sat separately on the train. While Rory pretended to look at a magazine,
Granda kept looking and grinning at Rory. None of the others passengers seemed to be
interested in them except for a lady sitting at the window seat. She looked at Rory and then at
Granda who grinned and waved to Rory. The lady opened her eyes wide at that. Rory knew
they had to get off at the next stop. He could not risk getting caught now. When the train
stopped at the next station, Rory moved towards Granda and quickly guided him out of the
train, hoping to get lost in the crowd. The train moved off and no one came after them.
Granda had use the toilet and Rory waited for him. Suddenly, someone grabbed Rory from
behind. It was the boy Rory saw slugging lemonade on the train. He demanded to know
where Granda was and refused to get Rory go. The boy kept on talking when suddenly,
someone hit him on the head with a bottle. It was Granda. Rory was sure Granda had killed
him but Granda just tufted, saying him boy would be all right. Then, Granda took charge and
said they had to get away by stealing a car.

Chapter 24:
Crook

By Hook or by

Granda said he was going to hot-wire a car for them to escape. Rory felt nervous when he
said this and asked him whether he had undergone a personality change in toilet. First,
Granda hit a boy. Next, he wanted to steal a car. Granda told Rory that they were fugitives
and had no choice but to save themselves. Granda hot-wire an old blue Corse and they drove
off.
Grandas driving terrified Rory. He had to keep reminding Granda to be careful. They left
the city safely and managed to get on the back roads leading south. In the afternoon, they
stopped at a lay-by and Granda took a nap. Rory could not sleep. His mind was filled with
questions and felt things were getting worse.

17

Chapter 25: On the Road

Granda woke up and they ate the sandwiches prepared by Ruby. They drove on and
Granda kept playing Frank Sinatras song, My Way. The car began running out of petrol
and Rory had to figure out a suitable place to get the petrol safely. They had to go someplace
quiet and insolated because they could not hot-wire the car again in a crowded place. When
they came to dimly-lit petrol station at the edge of a tiny village, Rory felt it was the best
place to refill the car.
Rory hoped to fill up the car, pay and get away quickly. But, he had no idea how to put in
the petrol or where the petrol kept of the car was. Granda had fallen asleep again. Rory was
looking for the petrol cap when someone tapped him on the shoulder. The man at the petrol
station offered his services. When Rory wanted to pay him, the man did not take the money.
Instead, he leaned into the car, looked at Granda and told Rory they would not be going
anywhere that night.

Chapter
26:
Samaritan

The

Good

Rory panicked but the man grinned at him. He said he wanted to help them. Many people
were on the lookout for them and they would not go far. Furthermore, Granda looked
exhausted. Rory noticed Grandas pallor and felt his extremely cold hands. Rory and the man
pushed the car to the back of the station. Rory knew the man was a stranger but he had no
choice but to accept the mans help. The man carried Granda to his flat and introduced
himself as Rab.
Rab switched on the television but Rory was more concerned about Grandas condition.
He looked pale and was shaking. Then, he fell asleep. Rory was worried Granda might be ill.
Had he done the wrong thing? As Rory prayed to God for help, he suddenly caught the news
18

on television. The reporter was saying that a boy and an old man could not have gone missing
so easily, and was sure that the public was helping them. When the reporter mentioned that
Rorys father was in Liverpool and there was hope that Rory and Granda might contact him,
Rory knew what he had to do. It was time for his father to take responsibility.

Chapter 27: I Know Where I Am

Going
Rab was surprised to hear about Rorys father on the news. Rory told Rab not to mention
his father to Granda as it would only upset Granda. Rory had made up his mind to go
Liverpool to look for his father, Jeff. He wondered how to get there but Rab expressed
confidence in Rory, saying if he could get this far, he could get to Liverpool too. Rab also
said Jeff would probably be in the phone book.
That night, Rory wedged a chair under the door handle before going to sleep. Rab might
be nice man bur Rory did not want to take any chances. During the night, Granda fell off the
bed. He woke up in a panic and had a sudden memory lapse. When Rory calm him down and
Granda went back to sleep, Rory felt angry. He was determined to get to Liverpool.

Chapter 28: Making Plans

Next morning, when Rory woke up, he heard Rab speaking softly on the phone. Rory
demanded to know who Rab was talking to and felt relieved when told it was not the police.
Rab said he had a plan for them. The police were looking for the car they stole and the boy
Granda had hit was saying that Granda had assaulted him. Rab said nobody would believe the
boy. He was still going to drive them to meet his girlfriend, Annie. When Rory asked Rab
19

why he was helping them, Ran answered that he, just like many people, wanted Rory and
Granda to be together. Since Rory had decided to go to Liverpool, Rab had arranged with
Annie and a whole line of friends to get Rory and Granda there.
When Rab helped Rory to dress and shave Granda, Granda said people were indeed kind.
Here they were trying to escape and all kind of strangers were willing to help them. Later,
Rab drove while Granda snoozed in the back seat. When Rab stopped at a lay-by on a
deserted road, Annie was waiting for them. Rab introduced Annie to Rory and Granda. Tey
ate the food she brought and Rab left. Rory and Granda got into Annies car and they drove
off.

Chapter 29: Chains of Friends

They passed a sign that proclaimed WELCOME TO ENGLAND. They were getting
nearer to Liverpool. When Granda asked Rory where they were going, Rory simply told him
the name of their next stop and avoided giving any explanation. Granda grubbed a little.
Annie told them she was taking them to her cousins place. When they arrived at her Cousin
Normas house, Norma welcomed them warmly. Rory and Granda were overcome by such
kindness. Then, they were introduced to Normas daughter, Nicola, and had dinner. After
dinner, Annie hugged Granda tearfully and left.
Rory thanked Norma for wanting to drive them to Liverpool. Granda said he did not know
why they were going to Liverpool. Rory explained that Granda did not accept Jeff as his son
anymore. Norma looked worried at this. At that moment, they heard a roar of Granda. They
rushed into the living room and saw Granda standing unsteadily on his feet, pointing angrily
at the television. Granda had found out why they were going to Liverpool!

Chapter 30: Kind Betrayal

20

Granda was shaking with anger. He did not want to go to Liverpool. He was so upset that
in the end, Rory had to promise Granda, the more Rory hated his dad. Not once had his dad
appeared on television and offered help. His dad did not want them at all.
The next morning, Granda looked very pale and was wheezing in his sleep. Rory called
Norma to check on Granda. She looked concerned and told Rory to let Granda rest for now.
Then, she and Nicola left to go into town. Before they went, Nicola gave Rory her mobile
number and said she would call or to call her in case of any emergency.
Granda woke up in the afternoon. He was disorientated and said he dreamt the authorities
had caught up with them and they had to run. Rory got him out of bed and got him dressed.
They waited the whole afternoon for Norma and Nicola to return. It was dusk when the phone
rang. Seeing it was Nicolas number, Rory answered the call. Nicola was almost crying. She
warned him that Norma had made a police report and the authorities were coming to the
house.

Chapter 31: Escaping Again

Nicola explained that Norma made the police report because she was concerned about
Grandas health and about Rory. Rory immediately got Granda ready to make another escape.
He reassured Granda that they were definitely not going to Liverpool. He packed as many
things as he could, including some food. Rory decided to take back the road and as they
climbed the hill, he saw two police cars heading for the house. The journey was hard on
Granda but he kept going. Suddenly, Rory heard a siren. He shoved Granda to run and they
hid themselves in a hedge just in time. The police car passed them by slowly.
Granda looked very tired and Rory knew he had to rest. They stopped at a stone bus
shelter. Granda lay on the bench and said he would take a short rest. He looked so pale that
Rory suggested they go back. Granda, however, determinedly said no. When Rory promised
they would not go back, Granda was contented. He said, if he were to die that night, he would
die in a happy man. Then, he fell asleep and began snoring. Rory watched the deserted road.
He could not remember falling asleep but touched Grandas shoulder to wake him up and felt
that something was wrong. Granda looked too pale and was not breathing. Granda was dead!

21

Chapter 32: Call for Help

Rory shouted at Granda but Granda did not move. Panicking, Rory began to run for help.
He arrived at a house and pounded on the door. A couple opened it and Rory pleaded for help.
The man drove Rory back to the bus shelter while his wife called the police. Rory was hoping
that he would see Granda was standing there and waving his first angrily at being left alone,
but what he saw was worse. When Rory had gone to seek help, Granda had fallen off the
bench and lay face down the ground.
Everything became a blur for Rory. The police and ambulance arrived. Someone put a
blanket round Rory and gave him a mug of hot tea. He was guided into one of the police cars.
Rory wanted to follow Granda ambulance but a policewoman told Rory someone wanted to
talk to him first. A man got into the car and sat beside Rory. Rory told the man he did not
want to separated from Granda and the man reassured him that they would both go to the
hospital. Then, the man looked at Rory and told him he was Rorys father.

Chapter 33: Alls well that Ends

Well
It turned out that Granda was not dead. It was touch and go for a while and he hovered
between life and death for a few days. When Rory knew that Granda was going to survive, he
followed his father home to his family. Rory was introduced to his fathers wife, Karen, and
his two daughters, Rhonda and Ava. Granda fell in love with the children and he liked Karen
too. But Granda still treated Jeff badly. Jeff kept apologizing to Granda and Rory.
Rory and Granda stayed on in Liverpool. They got a flat near Jeffs house and went in and
out of each others house every day. They even had home helps and care workers to help
them. Rory was happy that everything had turned out well. He had forgiven Norma for going
to the police. In the summer, Rory and Granda would be attending Annie and Rabs wedding,
and Sammy, Ruby and Tyrone would be visiting them soon. Darrens mother had also invited
Rory and Granda to her caravan for a holiday. Grandas memory and health had worsened
22

ever since their escape but Rory was not worried. What was important was that they were
together as a family.

23

PLOT OF EACH CHAPTER

Chapter 1
Readers are introduced to Rory and his Granda as they wait for Dr Nicol in the waiting room.
The doctor is concerned that Rory is too young to take care of his grandfather. However,
Rory is aware that there are only two of them in the family.
Chapter 2
Granda has a failing memory; always misplacing things. Rory has the sole responsibility of
taking care of Granda like buying him his lunch every day.
Chapter 3
Rory sacrifices some of the things he likes for Granda. He gives up football so that he can be
at home with his Granda. Rorys worry is that if Granda is put into Rachnadar, they would be
separated. Rorys dad had left them many years ago and Granda is very disappointed with his
son, not wanting to see him again.
Chapter 4
Granda is very popular with Rorys friends and meets Mrs. Foley for the first time. Granda
accidentally sets fire to his and Mrs. Foleys coats at the schools Parents Night.
Chapter 5
Val Jessup, a social worker is assigned to take care of Granda and Rory. Darrens mum and
Mrs. Foley are both worried for Rory and are glad of the extra help they were going to
receive. However, Granda has a little accident in the flat and is taken to the hospital.
Chapter 6
Granda has suffered from smoke inhalation and has to be hospitalized. Rory pleads to the Big
Man to make Granda wake up. Val Jessup is nervous to let Rory live in the flat alone and
drives him to the childrens home at Castle Street.
Chapter 7
Rory goes to the home because he has no choice and he thinks that it will be for only one
night till his Granda is out of the hospital. Tess, a young inmate of the home, terrifies Rory
with her bad behavior.
Chapter 8
Granda admits that he had forgotten that the chip pan was on the stove, hence the fire in the
flat. He tries to appease Rory by saying that he would get better soon. However, he is upset
that his grandson is in the Castle Street home.
24

Chapter 9
Although Rory loves his grandfather, he is slightly annoyed with him as well because of the
accident; he had landed himself in the hospital because of that and now Rory is in a childrens
home. Rory goes back to the flat with Val and collects Grandas medication. There, Rory
realizes that he wants to return home. Granda feels the same too.
Chapter 10
Rory is given the idea that Mrs. Foley might foster Rory. Rory goes to the hospital to find that
Granda is not there anymore.
Chapter 11
Granda has been shifted to Rachnadar. Val Jessup tells Rory that he is just a boy and that he
cannot take care of Granda anymore.
Chapter 12
Granda is very upset to be sent to the home and it breaks Rorys heart to see him cry. At
Castle Street, Rory fights with Tess. Rory becomes exasperated when Granda retreats further
and further into a shell while at Rachnadar and at school, the idea of being fostered by Mrs.
Foley worries him. Life is certainly unpleasant in Castle Street when Tess becomes
increasingly uncontrollable. Rory decides that the only way is to run away with Granda.
Chapter 13
The Great Escape. Darren offers the use of his moms caravan and Rory plans the escape
with great detail. Granda relies on Rory to get out of Rachnadar.
Chapter 14
Granda is like a little boy, allowing him to be led; safe in the knowledge that Rory would
look after him. He is happy to be in the caravan and decides that he is indeed a lucky man to
deserve a boy like Rory. Rory has done all of this so that they could be together. He realizes
that he would never let anyone separate them.
Chapter 15
Happy in the caravan, Granda recovers his old self.
Chapter 16
While fishing, they meet strangers and Granda is prejudiced when he calls them tinkers.
As Grandas health improves and both of them are happy, Darren sends Rory a text message
saying that the authorities are after them.
Chapter 17
Rory prepares Granda for another move away from the police but as they move through the
woods, the strangers whom they had met the day before, reach out and help them.
25

Chapter 18
Rory has no choice and allows them to lead. They are taken to an older caravan camp and
Rory meets Tyrone and his family. Tyrones mom responds that they had helped them because
it was Rory that they had wanted to help.
Chapter 19
They are taken care of well in Sammys camp. While there, they realise that they are the top
story on the Scottish news as a boy and his grandfather on the run. Apparently, the authorities
are worried about Granda whose health is a real concern. Granda decides that he would rather
die of cold and hunger as long as he is free.
Chapter 20
Granda and Rory are worried that Sammy would get into trouble by helping them. But
Sammy insists that he did not kidnap them and that they are not escaped convicts. Rory learns
never to be judgmental of people.
Chapter 21
The runaways enjoy the birthday party in Sammys brothers place. Ruby reads Rorys future
and predicts that he would meet people who would help him; some of whom he would not be
able to trust. He would certainly find what he is looking for but would face a terrible sadness
before that.
Chapter 22
The public has mixed responses over Rory and Grandas running away. Ruby indicates that
people are taking sides about them, arguing about the rights and wrongs of their case. Rory
realizes that they would have to be on the move again. Sammy suggests that he drives them to
Dundee so that they can take a train to Glasgow to be with family friends who would provide
them with shelter and time to think.
Chapter23
In the train, Rory realizes that they have been recognized and alights at an earlier station.
When Granda goes to the toilet, Rory is bullied by a young man who recognizes him. Granda
beats the latter with a bottle and decides that he will steal a car to escape.
Chapter 24
Granda seems an expert at stealing cars and his driving scares Rory. They stop at the lay by to
have some rest.
Chapter 25
The runaways meet Rab when they stop to buy petrol. He offers them help.
Chapter 26
Rab says that he wants to help them because Rory and Granda are not criminals. He allows
them the use of his flat and seems kind and concerned. Though pale and tired, Granda says
26

that he is alright as long as he is with Rory. Rory prays for help because he realizes he needs
someone to help him. Again TV newsflashes show that the public is very much on their side
and Rory gets to know that his Grandas son, his father, has been traced to Liverpool.
Chapter 27
The television news states that neither Rory nor his grandfather have attempted to contact Jeff
McIntosh in Liverpool. Rab encourages Rory to take his grandfather to his son.
Chapter 28
Rab has a grand idea to make sure that they get to Liverpool. A whole line of people are
going to take them to Rorys dad and Granda comments that the world is indeed wonderful
after having experienced so much kindness.
Chapter 29
Annie drives them into England and leaves them with Norma and Nicola. The latter admires
Rory for what he has done. Granda agrees but his mood changes when he finds out that they
are going to his son in Liverpool.
Chapter 30
Granda refuses to go and for the first time Rory is frustrated. He had hoped that his father
would take over the responsibility of Granda but Granda thinks that it would hurt Rory too
much if his father would leave them again. Rory begins to hate his father and Granda
consoles him by saying that they have never needed him and that they do not need him now.
Nicola rings up to tell Rory that the police are coming and that they would have to move on.
Chapter 31
It is the second escape; both of them run out into the dark. Granda is tired and they both stop
to rest and eventually sleep off at a stone bus shelter. Prior to that Granda says that if he was
to die, he would as a happy man. On awakening, Rory is not able to awaken his grandfather
and is afraid that he may be dead.
Chapter 32
Rory runs for help and remembers Rubys prophecy about the terrible sadness. Help comes
immediately and the police introduce him to his father.
Chapter 33
Granda is not dead. He is hospitalized and recovers eventually. Rory is reunited with his dad
and his family. He has two little sisters who endear themselves to Granda. His dad asks to be
given another chance to prove that he can be a good dad and a good son again. Rory has
found what he was looking for and realizes that if anything happens to his Granda he will not
be alone again. He is thankful to all who have helped them on their journey. He is very happy
that he, Granda and his family are together again.

27

Setting

On
the
run: countryside
caravan site.
When Rory ran away with Granda, several places were mentioned. There were
Perth shire, Dundee, For far and Perth. No mention made of the actual town in
which Rory lived with Granda and went to school.
The first place when they were on the run was the countryside and the caravan
site where Rory had taken refuge in Darrens mums caravan. This idyllic period
was momentary. In this rustic calm and peaceful setting the pair were left alone and
were safe. They were able enjoy the charms of the countryside. This setting was a
suitable backdrop for a time when Rory and Granda felt free and happy. But this
happy mood was not to last.

The back roads

countryside.

in

the

After being saved by Tyrone and family, there was more countryside and more
travelling as the pair took refuge in Tyrones caravan. Of this Rory said: Next
morning we were on the move again, travelling north through the lush countryside
of Perth shire. This setting was one of friendship, warmth, hospitality and good
food.

Rail station and train journey.

Sammy left them at the bleak and impersonal setting of the railway station at
Dundee. They travelled by rail travel before the pair got off at Perth. At Perth,
Granda stole a car to carry on their journey.

The Lake District.

They reached Normas house but unfortunately, Norma thought it best if they
were handed to the authorities. They were told of Normas betrayal of them by
Nicola, Normas daughter.
The bus shelter in the Lake District.
After being warned by Nicola, they escaped on foot from Normas house and they
walked a long way until they came upon a bus shelter, intending to catch a bus.
28

After falling asleep, it was at this setting and that Rory found Granda unconscious.
Frantic, Rory went to get help and came across a house where he asked for help.
The man went in his car to get Granda. Then the police came and an ambulance too.
It was at this time that Rory met his father. All this happened in the setting of the
Lake District as was implied. We have the setting of the bus shelter in which a
dramatic point was reached in the story.

Liverpool.

The McIntosh family was re-united in Liverpool. Again, the setting of home,
family, warmth, security and being taken care of by both social services and family
and a feeling of security and family togetherness ever after.
Thus, the settings and mood veered from calm and secure to worry, uncertainty
and frenzy as befit the twists and turns in the plot. The final setting was again urban
Liverpool.

29

Themes

Family and relationships

This is a story that celebrates family and love for ones family. The story recounts a
grandsons love for his grandfather and shows the value of family responsibility. Rorys
fathers lack of family responsibility is contrasted with Rorys strong sense of family
responsibility even at such a young age. Just as Rorys father so easily gives up his family
ties, Rory desperately and against all odds tries to maintain this family relationship. It tells of
a journey of love and reconciliation in which family ties are strengthened and renewed
between three generations. It also shows that when there is a strong need to exercise
responsibility, even Rorys father rose to the occasion by coming forward and letting Rory
and Granda come to live near him in Liverpool.

Reciprocating others good

deeds
Rory was aware that it was Granda who had taken care of him all his life. Now that Granda
was old, it was now Rorys turn to do the same and pay back for all that Granda had done for
him. Rory could show gratitude even at a young age. Rory was also patient with his aged
Granda and understood the special problems that old people have. The book encourages its
readers to have this sense of responsibility towards the aged in ones family and in society.

An uncaring bureaucracy
The story show readers a case in which the authorities apply rules and regulations to all
without examining each case separately. It shows the workings of government bureaucracy in
which the same rule applies to all without consideration of the special merits of each case.
The administrative solution to the problem was to put the grandfather in an old folks home
and Rory in a childrens home. It did not consider the strength of Rorys love for his
grandfather and both their need for each other. It did not consider that Rory was quite capable
of taking care of his grandfather, young though he was. In the end, the authorities did provide
the support needed to allow Rory and his grandfather to live together. They should have done
this in the first place so that Rory would not have to run away with his grandfather.

Community spirit
The pair were not caught as there were always people who were moved by their plight and
wanted to help and indeed did help in many ways. This shows us that in this modern,
uncaring world community spirit and caring for ones fellow human beings still remains.

30

The problems and limitations of

old age and childhood
The story shows us how helpless the very old and the very young in society are and how,
without family, they do need the state to provide special care for them. When one gets old and
infirm, one is helpless so family and society need to step in and help the old and sickly who
are no longer able to care for themselves.The story also shows how no one really pays much
attention to the needs of the young and the old and helpless. It is a lesson to listen more to the
young as they can be very mature and know what is the right thing to do.

MAIN CHARACTERS
Loving and caring

31

Rory Mclntosh
Responsible

Understanding

Appreciative

Patient

Mr Mclntosh / Granda
Determined

Gallant

Sharp and alert

Loving and lovable
Self-centred

MORAL VALUE
There should not be any generation gap between the young and the old.
People should learn to get along and understand each other

32

We should not look at strangers unkindly. They may be able to lend a helping hand
in our time of need.

We should persevere and be determined in order for us to succeed in our

endeavours

We must nurture family relationship and not take them for granted.

We must be prepared to look after our family members regardless of their age

Sometimes, we have to be cruel to be kind

33