This was it.

At the end of the day, planning and training were nothing – this was the real thing and it was win or lose.

Heart racing, sweat forming on his brow, Jim flexed his fingers and began to prise open the window – all that stood between him and one of the great milestones of his life so far – the completion of a month’s work, excitement and tension.

No more windows after this…

These were the hands of an expert. You could have heard a pin drop as Jim slowly but surely pulled the window open, and, struggling to suppress a gasp of astonishment, peered into the space within.

It’s beautiful!

Nestled in it’s alcove, the last prize; the final talisman.

But even as Jim’s fingers closed around his trophy, a noise from above – the stomach-lurchingly foreboding sound of footsteps.

There was no point running. It was too late. As the kitchen light came on, Jim hung his head in shame.

“Jim, what did I tell you? You can finish your advent calendar in the morning – now back to bed!”

“But Mum…”