The Treasure Map

Sally was crying. Her twin brother Alfie was angry. The ten-year-olds didn’t know what “cancer” was or why it had taken their Grandma away. It had only been a week, but they missed her terribly.

“Go play on the beach” said mum, wiping away her own tears. The twins looked at each other and nodded. They’d loved spending time with Grandma on the beach. She used to draw treasure maps in the wet sand, leading the twins on a big adventure on their way to a small prize.

“Alfie, look” shouted Sally when they got to the beach. “A line in the sand. It’s the first clue in a new treasure map!”

“It can’t be” grumped Alfie. “Grandma’s not here so who’s going to draw a treasure map, stupid!”

Sally slapped her brother on the back of his head.

“Oh come on, misery guts. Someone’s put it there so let’s play their game.”

When Sally ran in the direction of the arrow head, Alfie heard Grandma’s voice.

“You must always stick together. Don’t ever leave your twin on their own. Promise me.”

They’d both promised her. Alfie knew he couldn’t let Sally go alone so he buried his hands in his pocket and trudged along behind her.

“Look, Alfie, another clue!” shouted Sally, as she veered to the left.

Alfie was beginning to think that perhaps there really was a treasure map there, not just his sister making things up. She did that often enough, he thought.

Sally disappeared behind a large rock.

“Sally. Wait for me!” shouted Alfie and started to run after her.

When Alfie rounded the corner, he stopped in his tracks, took a sharp intake of breach, and put his hands over his mouth.

Sally was on her knees, taking a blanket off the top of an old crisp box.

Alfie edged closer and the twins looked inside. There, snoring quietly, slept the most beautiful puppies they’d ever seen. There was a handwritten note taped to the side of the box.

“Please look after these babies. I’ve lost my job and can’t afford to feed them.”

The twins carefully picked up the box and between them, carried it home.

Mum cried again when they told her what had happened.

“They’re from Grandma, aren’t they mum?” asked Sally.

“Yes, my darling. I think they are. We’ll care for them now.”