The Silver Child by Cliff McNish (Excerpt)

possible - just enough so that the food did not catch and make him gag as it made its way down. “Milo!� gasped Mum. She tried to grasp both his hands, but with extraordinary energy he twisted away from her.

There was no bread left, but the margarine was available. Milo dug his fingers into it.

Avoiding his teeth, he pushed the margarine deep inside his throat. His breathing was heavy and he did not look up.