Alfie sat in the back of the car looking out of the window. There wasn`t much to see just trees as the car made its way round the winding lanes.
Mum and Dad sat silently in the front, there was always silence now. They used to be so happy now they barely spoke to each other.
Alfie remembered back 2 nights when he had listened in on them talking. They had spoken of something called IVF. Alfie had no idea what that was. Maybe it had something to do with all the appointments mum seemed to have to go to. They said they could no longer afford it and would have to give up.
Dad stopped the car on the side of the road, "I`m sure the engine is making a funny noise!", he said getting out to take a look. Mum sighed and got out too.
Alfie stared out of the window and could see something on the grass verge. Opening the door he got out to take a look."Don`t wander off !", Mum called.
"I won`t"
Alfie picked up a small wooden box. It was plain except for the fact it had his name on it! Concealing it in his coat he crept back into the car.
Back at home Alfie raced up to his room and closed the door. Sitting on his bed he carefully opened the box, jumping back when he saw the contents.
A small girl emerged from the box jumping onto his bed. she was only a few inches tall at first but grew rapidly until she was the same size as him.
"Who are you?" Alfie finally managed to find his voice.
"My name is Lucy, I have been sent to be your friend!"
"Sent by who?"
"The worry fairies thought you had a few too many worries and no one to share them with!"
Alfie was excited about his new friend, they went everywhere together. Lucy went to school with him, ate dinner with him and went out in the car everywhere they went. The great thing was he was the only one who could see her!
Mum and Dad thought it a little weird listening to him talking to what they called his imaginary friend. Mum still let him set a place at the table for Lucy though! She was pleased that Lucy liked vegetables and very pleased when Alfie tried new foods too!
Mum and Dad seemed happier as well. They were talking cheerfully again.
"We have something we want to talk to you about!"mum said over breakfast.
Alfie looked up.
"Dad and I have been talking and we have decided to look into adoption.
Alfie knew what that meant; they were going to adopt a brother or sister for him!
"That will be great!"Alfie screamed excitedly. "I have to tell Lucy!"
Where was Lucy? She hadn`t been there for breakfast.
Lucy was sitting on his bed. He told her the great news.
"I have a little secret," said Lucy. "You will have a sister."
"How do you know?"
"Mum is pregnant!" she whispered.
And with a giggle she and the box were gone.
