The day the First World War broke out Alfie Summerfields father promised he wouldnt go away to fight--but he broke that promise the following day Four years later Alfie doesnt know where his father might be other than that hes away on a special secret mission Then while shining shoes at Kings Cross Station Alfie unexpectedly sees his fathers name on a sheaf of papers belonging to a military doctor Bewildered and confused Alfie realizes his father is in a hospital close by--a hospital treating soldiers with shell shock Alfie isnt sure what shell shock is but he is determined to rescue his father from this strange unnerving place
