The Adventures of Marcus and Nelson: The Secret Ingredient

Marcus was thrilled to be at the Newport Food Festival. The stalls were bursting with smells of sizzling food, and the square buzzed with chatter and laughter. Newport City Radio were there too, with Izzy on the mic, Luke on the camera, and Ethan running the tech.

Marcus tugged his shirt nervously. “Stay put, Nelson,” he whispered to his mischievous glass eye. But Nelson gave a little wiggle, as if daring him.

On the main stage, a famous celebrity chef was stirring a giant pan of stew. He had a face like thunder and the sharpest knives Marcus had ever seen. Marcus edged closer for a better look.

Plop!

Nelson shot out like a cannonball, bounced across the table, and landed straight in the bubbling stew.

Marcus gasped. “Oh no!”

The chef stirred proudly. “The secret ingredient makes all the difference,” he boomed, completely unaware that his stew now contained a pirate-loving glass eye.

“Help!” Marcus whispered desperately. Izzy spotted him and rushed over. After a quick explanation, she grinned. “Radio crew, operation rescue! Luke, distract the chef. Ethan, boost the music!”

Luke marched up with his camera. “Chef! Quick interview for the listeners at home?”

Ethan cranked up the speakers. Music blasted, the crowd clapped along, and the chef, puffed up with pride, began bragging about his cooking skills.

Seizing the moment, Izzy lifted Marcus onto the stage. He leaned over the pot, spoon trembling in his hand. There was Nelson, bobbing like a dumpling.

“Gotcha!” Marcus scooped him out, wiped him on his shirt, and popped him safely back in place just as the chef turned around.

The crowd cheered, the chef bowed, none the wiser.

Nelson twinkled cheekily. “Best stew I’ve ever had!”