God, I'm so happy I can read

...if only to enjoy this gem from The Independent newspaper (via MeFi) -- results of a competition to write the best beginning to an imaginary novel in 50 words or less.

(This is an astounding one, especially considering the author is 9 years old:

I cannot quite remember when it started. I was probably about nine or 10. All I can remember is that when it started, I quite enjoyed it. No one told me I was playing dangerously.)

The Independent | Opening Gambits