“Stop” Little Ted said “STOP! I’ve left Fluffy at Granny and Grandpa’s house.”
Little Ted had been for a sleepover at his grandparents house while his Mummy and Daddy visited friends. He had had a lovely time and been spoilt rotten, because he didn’t stay for a sleepover very often. They had let him stay up for an extra hour past his usual bedtime, given him Frosties for breakfast and played Buckaroo with him for hours. His Grandpa also let Little Ted help wash the car and said he had made a very good job of polishing the wheels. But now disaster – he had left Fluffy, his favourite soft toy behind, lying on the guest bed.
“We have to go back” Little Ted wailed “I can’t sleep without Fluffy.”
The only problem was they were almost home and his grandparents lived miles away.
“Are you sure you’ve left Fluffy behind” asked his Mummy “he isn’t just packed in your case?”
“No I’m sure I left him lying on the bed. I was going to go back and get him after I brought my bag out to the car but then Granny and Grandpa started saying Goodbye and I forgot. I hope he isn’t lonely without me.”
“Well we’re nearly back at our house, so once we get home I’ll give them a call to check he’s okay. Maybe they can send him to you by post – it will be an adventure for Fluffy.”
“But what if he gets lost. And that means I won’t have him to cuddle when I go to bed. I want Fluffy!”
Little Ted’s Mummy and Daddy looked at each other and shrugged. They knew how fond of Fluffy Little Ted was, but they were also tired after the long drive and ready to sit down and relax with a cup of tea. And it was too far to go back to collect Fluffy. Once they got home and had brought the bags inside, his Daddy called Little Ted’s grandparents.
“Hello, yes that’s us back home safely. However I think we have a small problem – is there a forgotten rabbit left behind on Little Ted’s bed? There is, well that’s good news. Perhaps you can post him to us tomorrow? Great, I’ll let Little Ted know he’s quite worried about him.”
“But I want Fluffy now” Little Ted said “I won’t be able to sleep without him.”
Little Ted repeated this again and again for the rest of the evening. He said it when he put his pyjamas on, and again after he had cleaned his teeth. His Mummy did her best to reassure him and to suggest alternative soft toys he could cuddle tonight, but Little Ted kept on repeating “I want Fluffy. I won’t be able to sleep without him.”
Eventually his Mummy persuaded Little Ted to go to bed and because he was tired after staying up late the previous night, Little Ted agreed.
Some time later Little Ted stirred when he heard someone coming into his bedroom.
“Are you awake Little Ted?” whispered his Daddy “I’ve got a little rabbit who’s looking for a big hug.”
“Fluffy! How are you here?” Little Ted asked happily.
“Your Grandpa and I knew how much you would miss Fluffy tonight so we both started driving and met up half-way. Now you cuddle in, I’m ready for that cup of tea now. “
“Thank you Daddy” Little Ted said “Goodnight.”
The End