I felt like writing something about Scotty and Keenser from a different point of view for a change.
Scotty is almost nine when his dream is realised. After months of gruelling tests and evaluations his parents are finally allowed to adopt a child and give him the little sibling he has always wanted. Shortly before his new wee brother arrives his mother sits him down. Gently she explains that due to the number of children needing loving homes and the length of time they have to wait in care his brother won't be a little baby in a crib like he (and the rest of the family) had been expecting, but rather a child nearer to his own age.
Scotty being the remarkable child he is isn't disappointed in the least for as he tells his mother it just means he won't have to wait so long to have someone to play rocket ships with and help with his experiments. Nor does his smile falter when a tiny green alien gets out his father's hydro-car, if anything his smile gets bigger. Scotty is the first one to embrace his new little brother while his elders, the ones who should know better, look on stunned. Scotty is also the one who grabs his rough hand without hesitation as he drags Keenser off to play in the back yard with Scotty's imaginary friend Rupert. Unintentionally leaving his relatives to encourage his delighted parents out of the whole thing before it's too late to return "it".
Suffice to say his parents don't listen and a lot of Scotty's relatives aren't invited back for Christmas or New Year's. Despite the negativity of others and some teething problems (Keenser literally won't stop climbing the walls) it doesn't take long for Scotty's happy family of three to adjust to being an even happier four. They do the normal things families do together like feed the ducks or go on picnics and everything is wonderful, amazing. Every day the house is full of laughter and excitement along with one or two minor explosions. And at the end of every day after story time there's an extra someone to kiss goodnight.
When Scotty's almost nine he asks his parents for a brother but instead he gets a best friend.