Marina stood by the stove, flipping golden pancakes. Soon her husband would return from work, and they would sit down as a family for supper.
How oddusually, when she made his favourite pancakes, little Alfie would hover nearby, peering up at her with pleading eyes, begging, “Mum, can I have another one?” Hed stuff himself silly, only to return moments later, dragging out each syllable with exaggerated delight: “Muuu-um, pleeease?”
She knew he wasnt hungry anymore. He just wanted to say that wordMumover and over, as if still marvelling that such a thing could belong to him. And often, shed set down the spatula, scoop him into her arms (he was still light, just five years old), and say, “Come on, love, shall we go meet Daddy from work?”
His eyes would sparkle. “Yes, Mum! Lets meet Daddy!”
Everything was still new to himhaving parents, a bedroom all his own, a climbing frame his father had bought, toy cars and robots and building blocks that belonged to no one else. At bedtime, shed read to him, stroke his hair, whisper that she loved him. He soaked it up like sunshine, almost forgetting the time before.
She was about to call him when a tiny foot nudged her belly from within.
Her hand flew to her stomach. Another kick.
Every day, she thanked God for this unexpected gift. Theyd even chosen a nameafter his grandmother, Edward had insisted. “Lets call her Catherine,” hed said.
Doctors had told Marina shed never bear children. Then theyd adopted Alfie and now, barely a year later, Catherine was on her way.
Lost in thought, she nearly burned a pancake. “Alfie, love, where are you? Why so quiet today?”
No answer. Had he fallen asleep?
She turned off the stove and padded to his room.
Darkness. No sound.
Thena rustle. She flicked on the light.
There he sat, fully dressed in his coat and hat, backpack stuffed with his favourite toy cars.
“What on earth are you doing in the dark?” she laughed. “Come on, get out of those clotheshave you packed for a trip? Pancakes are ready, darling, with cream and jam. Whats gotten into you?”
But Alfie didnt smile. His gaze was distant, oddly adult. “Can I take my toys with me?” he murmured. “She wont need them, will she?”
Marinas heart dropped. “What are you talking about, sweetheart? Where would you go?” Had she failed him? Was he jealous of the baby?
“Will you send me back to the childrens home?” His voice was small. “That lady said you only took me cos you didnt know youd have your own. That Im not really yours.”
Tears brimmed in his eyes.
Marina remembered thenthe neighbour shed met days ago, whod pursed her lips and muttered, “You rushed into it, didnt you?” Shed thought Alfie too young to understand.
Now, she pulled him close. He resisted at first, then collapsed against her, sobbing.
“Listen to me,” she whispered. “That woman knows nothing. You are ours. We love you, and were keeping you forever.”
She peeled off his coat, held him tight.
When Catherine was born, Alfie and Edward stayed home, tidying up before coming to fetch them. Alfie fidgeted the whole waywhat if his sister didnt like him?
But the moment he saw her, tiny and pink, he grinned. “Mum, shes too little to be without a big brother! Ill teach her to play carswell have fun!”
Now, he hovered by her crib, counting the days until shed move into his room.
Tonight, Marina called, “Alfie, love, Ive got Catherine readylets meet Daddy!”
He was already waiting by the door. “Mum, Ill hold it open! You bring the pram!”
Downstairs, as they stepped out, the same neighbour shuffled in, laden with shopping bags.
Alfie gripped Marinas hand tighter.
“Be a gentleman, love,” she urged. “Help her with the lift.”
“Alright, Mum!” He squared his shoulders, held the lift door proudly, then dashed after her.
Tomorrow was Saturdaytheyd all go to the park. Catherine was still too small for rides, but soon, shed grow. And Alfie, her big brother, would hold her tight if she got scared.
Because they were family. Forever.
