Chapter 181: Alfie Has Kittens

Alfie was exciting. Today the Pack was going to be doing one of his favorite jobs: demolition. The Old Brick Works was being torn down, and they were contracted to do so. He was almost bouncing out of his seat with excitement. Nelson chuckled from the front.

"Energetic today, aren't you?"

"I just can't wait to start work! Demolition is always so much fun."

"Well, just remember..."

"Safety first, I know!"

At last, they arrived at the site. Nelson had just barely stopped the truck when Alfie tore out, climbing into his excavator the moment it was on solid ground. Nelson could only chuckle at his friend's energy.

"Ah, to be young."

Alfie was just getting ready to start moving rubble when Max and Monty zoomed past, nearly making him spin out.

"Move out of the way, small fry!"

"Yeah, go back to preschool!"

This made Alfie cross. He hated being reminded of his small size.

"I am not a small fry!"

Just then the Foreman came up.

"Alfie, I need you to help Ned clear away some rubble."

"Yes sir!"

This made Alfie feel better. He knew Ned would never make fun of him for his size. But Ned had his shovel's bucket too low, and nearly hit Alfie as he walked over to greet him. Fortunately, Alfie ducked in time, but was rather annoyed.

"Ned, watch out! You nearly hit me!"

"Huh? Oh sorry, Alfie. You're so small I didn't even see you."

This made Alfie feel even worse. Later during lunch, Ned saw him sitting alone and walked over.

"Hey there buddy, why the long face?"

Alfie looked up, having hardly touched his sandwich.

"Oh, hey Ned. Its just I keep getting put down for my size."

"Aw man, is this about earlier? I'm sorry, I..."

"No, its not that. First it was Max and Monty, then I almost get hit, its just... I wish I was bigger."

"Hey now, being small has its advantages."

"Oh really? Name one."

Ned went silent, struggling to answer.

"Oh, well, that's easy. There's um...uh well you...there's..."

"Just as I thought. Thanks for trying Ned, really."

Ned could only watch as Alfie walked offf, wishing there was something he could do to help his friend.

Later, Alfie was helping Oliver tear down a small shed. Oliver brought his Excavator closer, a scissor claw where its bucket once was. Carefully he took hold of the roof and began to pull, before a small noise was hear from inside. It was faint, but everyone was sure it was an animal.

"Everybody stop! Something's trapped inside."

"Well we can't get in, the hole's too small! None of us can fit!"

"I can!"

And before anyone could stop him, Alfie dashed right into the building. There, cowering in a corner, was a mother cat and her kittens. Alfie smiled gently, coaxing them towards him.

"Here, kitty kitty."

The cats stayed put, the mother hissing at him before a sprinkle of plaster scared them back into a corner, Alfie just barely covering them in time.

"Its alright, I've got you."

Scared, the cats allowed Alfie to scoop them up. Once they were secure, Alfie ran back out, making it just in time before the building collapsed. Everyone cheered.

"Way to go, Alfie!"

Alfie just beamed wearily.

"Its a good thing I'm as small as I am. Otherwise I wouldn't have fit."

The owner of the Brickworks was called at once. He was overjoyed to see his cat again.

"Mittens! I thought I had lost you in the move! You were here the whole time having Kittens. Oh, thank you so much, Miss Jenny."

"You should be thanking Alfie. If it wasn't for his quick action..."

"Well, I am indebted to you Alfie. I know, why don't you take a Kitten home with you? I'm sure any of them would love to be your pet."

"Really? You mean it?"

"Of course. Go ahead, don't be shy."

Alfie glanced over the litter, each one giving him the biggest pleading eyes they could muster. But his gaze fell on a tiny little kitten, the smallest of his siblings. One look at him and Alfie made his decision.

"I'll take this one."

"Ah, the runt of the litter. Any particular reason?"

"Well, after today I want a reminder to the importance of being small. Plus, he's so darn cute!"

The little kitten's eyes went wide, and he happily rubbed up against his leg. Alfie smiled and picked him up.

"I think I'll call you Brick. Do you like that?"

Brick only purred in response, and everyone cheered for the new member of the team.