Page 103 - The Grotesque Children's Book

Story the Sixth:
N’ariq

Gemma first knew there was something wrong with her father when
through his closed bedroom door she heard him making quiet bleating sounds,
like a goat. Since they had long ago finished supper and bid each other
goodnight, Gemma expected to hear snoring sounds, not bleating. In fact, it
was precisely because Gemma heard no snoring that she had been prowling at
his door. He's such a loud sleeper! Gemma thought. Is there something wrong?

“Babbo!” she quietly rapped at the door. “Are you ill? You're making
such odd sounds.” She put her ear to the door again and heard more bleating
sounds. “Babbo!” The only answer was more bleating.

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