Big Brother

Ted couldn’t wait to meet his new little brother. Ted was 10 and had been the only child in his family for a long time. He imagined what it would be like to have a baby brother. He would take him on bike rides and go hiking. He would go camping and fishing. He pictured himself sleeping under the stars listening to the chirping of crickets. He would even teach the little guy how to ride a bike. It would be great.

“Grandma? When are they going to be home again?” called Ted down the stairs.

“Should be any time now,” said Grandma. “They called when they left the hospital.”

“There they are!” interrupted Ted. He raced down the stairs and threw open the door. His parents were just pulling into the driveway.

“Big brother coming through!” called Ted and raced to the car door. He scooped up the little bundle from his mother’s arms and gave it a squish.

“Be careful, Ted, that’s a fragile package you’ve got there,” said Dad.

“Don’t worry, Dad. I’ve got everything under control,” replied Ted. It was only then that Ted noticed the pink blanket wrapped around the baby.

“What?” asked Ted.

“That’s right,” explained Mom. “We’ve got ourselves a little girl.”

“Is something wrong?” asked Dad tenderly.

Ted stammered a minute and a hollow sound escaped his lips. “No. She’ll just have to like fishing, camping, hiking, and biking.”

“She will. She will,” replied Mom calmly and she gave Ted a hug.