Little Alfie watched Lucy with a pang of envy. She was being adopted. Her new mum and dad were already signing the paperwork, and soon shed have a proper family. Lucy chattered away about all the things shed done with themthe zoo, where Alfie had never been, the puppet theatre where shed seen a real-life witch, and the jamapricot, with the pits still in.
Alfie was five. For as long as he could remember, hed lived in the orphanage. Kids came and went. When Tommy disappeared one day, Alfie tugged at Miss Marys sleeve.
Miss Mary, wheres Tommy gone?
Hes gone home, love. To a family, she said.
Whats a family? Alfie pressed.
Miss Mary sighed softly. A familys where someones always waiting for you. Where youre loved.
Wheres *my* family, then?
Miss Mary just looked at him sadly and didnt answer.
After that, Alfie stopped asking. Hed worked it outfamily was something precious. Something he didnt have.
When Lucy vanished for two days and returned in a frilly dress, her hair neatly plaited, clutching a brand-new doll, Alfie burst into tears. No one had ever picked *him*. Maybe no one ever would.
Just then, Miss Mary walked in, carrying a jumper and trousers. Get changed, Alfie. Youve got visitors.
Me? Alfie blinked. Who?
They want to meet you.
Alfie dressed quickly, perched on the bench, and waited. Miss Mary took his hand and led him to the visitors room. Inside sat a man and woman. The man was tall, with a beard and moustache. The woman was petite, slender, andAlfie thoughtthe prettiest lady hed ever seen. She smelled like flowers. For some reason, he decided she looked like a rose, with her big eyes and dark lashes.
Hello, the woman said. Im Emily. Whats your name?
Alfie, he mumbled. Whore you?
Wed like to be your friends, Emily said. Andwe need your help.
Help with what? Alfie eyed the man warily.
The man crouched down. Im James. We heard youre brilliant at drawing. Could you sketch us a robot? We *really* need a picture of one.
Alfie puffed up. Yeah. What sort?
James fetched a bag, pulling out a sketchpad, pencils, andAlfie gaspeda *massive* robot. It was still in its box, shiny and dazzling in the sunlight. Alfie had never seen anything so grand.
Blimey! Alfie whispered. Thats *Optimus Prime*! Dyou know hes the leader of the Autobots?
Do you like him? James asked.
*Loads*, Alfie breathed.
Take him, James said. Draw us a picture. Andwhile youre at itfancy a chat?
An hour later, Alfie had told them everythinghis favourite toys, his creaky bed, even the shoes that let in the cold. Emily held his hand the whole time. James ruffled his hair.
Miss Mary appeared. Times up, Alfie. Supper soon.
James shook Alfies hand. Well be back next week. Think you can finish the drawing?
Yeahbut you *will* come back, right?
Promise, Emily said, pulling him into a hug so tight his ribs creaked. Her eyes were suspiciously shiny.
Whyre you crying? Alfie asked.
Ohjust a speck in my eye.
Miss Mary led him to the dining hall. Alfie wolfed down his food, then raced to his room where the robot lay waiting. He carefully unboxed it, marveling at the moving arms and swiveling head.
Hed just started sketching when the older boys barged in.
Cor! Billy snatched the robot. Gimme that! He tossed it in the air.
Stop! Its not *mine*! Alfie yelped.
Nothin heres yours, Billy sneered. Its all *shared*.
Alfie lunged, grabbing the robot. Billy tugged back. There was a *crack*and Alfie was left holding a single leg.
He burst into tears.
Miss Mary found him with a bloody nose. Alfie! You *know* toys are shared. Now its broken.
It wasnt *mine*! Alfie sobbed. They *lent* it!
Miss Marys face softened. Go on. Draw.
Alfie propped the robot against a wall, balancing its leg with a box. He drew robot after robot until the sketchpad was full.
Days passed. Miss Mary, Alfie asked, whens James coming back?
She sighed. Alfie its been a week. I dont think theyre coming.
Alfie cried himself to sleep. Hed ruined everything.
The next morning, Miss Mary burst in, beaming. Get dressed! Youve got visitors!
Alfie opened the doorand there stood James and Emily.
Hello, love, Emily said. Fancy the zoo?
Alfies lip wobbled. He fetched the sketchpad and broken robot. Im sorry, he whispered, holding out the pieces.
James laughed. Alfieits *yours*. We *gave* it to you.
Alfie thrust the sketchpad at him. James flipped through it. Perfect! Exactly what we wanted.
Emily bundled Alfie into his coat. Zoo first. Thenweve got something to ask you.
The zoo was *magic*. Alfie couldnt decide where to look firstuntil the monkeys sent him into fits of giggles.
Back at their house, Alfie hesitated in the doorway.
Come on, James said.
Emily led him to a room with starry wallpaper, a race-car bed, and shelves of toys.
Who lives here? Alfie whispered.
James and Emily knelt, each taking a hand. *You* do, James said. If youd like to stay. Forever.
Forever? Alfies voice was tiny. You mean a *family*?
Emily nodded. A family.
Butwhy *me*? I broke the robot
Alfie, Emily said softly, youre not just anyone. Youre our *son*.
Alfie burst into tearshappy ones this time. He *liked* them. He *loved* the room. He *never* wanted to leave.
Is that a yes? James asked.
Alfie nodded furiously. Ill be *good*.
James and Emily scooped him up, smothering him in hugs and kisses.
And Alfiefor the first time in his lifefinally had a family. His *own* family.
