Writing A Perfectly Natural Explanation Jake Allsop photograph moved on the wall for no apparent reason. The picture, framed of maternal grandmother sitting in her rocking chair, made rattling noise as it moved. Everyone he table looked round to see what had made the noise, My sister Betty, was facing the the movemen What on earth made it move like that? Betty asked. We looked at Grandmother Pye's picture and offered explanations. Wind," said Fa It was a calm day. There was not a breath of wind, and anyway all the doors and ndows were closed. An earthquake,' i suggested, proud that at the age of seven I knew such long word An earthquake? In Britain?" said my sister Betty. "Don't be s But, I replied defensively, 'earthquakes do happen sometimes, even in Brita Don't they, Daddy? We would have fe my father said you suppose Grandma Pye is all right?' Betty asked anxiously. Pye was a tough bird, fitter than most people half age. of she was all r but Betty persisted. "Perhaps s a sign you're sign what?' I asked, looking for a chance to get my own back. A sign that stupid? Stop it, you two!' mother said wearily, "I'm sure there is a perfectly natural explanation. Now, finish your meal. Come o eat up your vegetables, you two, here will be no pudding for you. Why do parents make idle like Isuppose it is just a habit. picture moved again, this time so v ently that we a it. When stopped, it was no longer straight. Grandma Pye looked as if she was to slip chair. This time, nobody spoke, It wasn't funny any more, I felt did not My sister had gone My father his plate potatoes time,