Nitty Gritty 1: Dark Stone Eye

Ben’s nanna is going crazy. At least, that’s what the rest of his family think. She’s been sharing Ben’s room since his grandad went to work overseas. The black stone in the pendant around her neck talks to her, tells her stories from its life. She retells the stories to Ben after dark. Each story has the clarity of a fable and a message about life tucked within its whispered words. Ben’s nanna explains that the stone is neither good luck nor bad luck, but an amplifier of the heart-song of the owner. If they were nasty, it drew nasty things into their lives. If they were kind, it showered them with kindness. As she leaves to join her husband overseas, she gives Ben the stone and tells him to watch his thoughts …