Jenny eyed the gold chain around her grandma’s neck.  At the end of it, she knew, was the key to grandma’s secret room, and to the secret itself. Tucking into the strawberry dessert, she noticed the twinkle in gran’s blue eyes.

“Still wishing, dear?  I can’t see why it’s so important to you.  There’s nothing magical in there, I promise.”  She said, unconvincingly.

Despite a mouthful of food, Jenny blurted out

“Then why can’t I look, gran?  Mum told me you had magic powers. Isn’t eight old enough to be shown what she meant?”

Grandma chuckled, in response.  She was about to answer when the cheery voice of her daughter Sue, called from the back door.

“Are you finished, yet, Jen?  It’s time we were going home.”

The girl sighed as she got up.  She’d come close, this time, but mum had ruined it. Grandma spoke, as Sue entered the kitchen.

“What have you been telling her?  Magical powers indeed!  No wonder she’s so keen to see that room.”

Jenny went to the toilet, and when she was out of earshot, Sue replied

“It’s true, isn’t it?  You were good, in your day, but swearing me to secrecy meant she got the wrong end of the stick.  Have you lost the gift?”

Gran’s face reddened, and when Jenny came back in, grandma’s hand, on her shoulder, made her turn to face the old lady.

“OK, Jenny.  Tell you what. I’ll set you a puzzle.  It’s Sunday today.  If you come up with the right answer by next Saturday, I’ll let you into my secret.”

Jenny grinned, delighted, and would have yelled out, but gran’s finger was pressed against her lips, as the old woman continued.

“I want you to find me a fifteen letter word which describes the things your mum says I can do.  Starts with P and ends with N.  You’ve got till six in the evening, next Saturday.  Go find your friends and get searching!”