Reindeer
Alfie Adair ; 2110


Alfie wasn't a performer, he left that to Mia. His sister belonged on all sorts of stages. But sheepish, little Alfie? No, no. He belonged amongst the crowd, safely nestled within the audience where he could watch and clap and oooh and aaah and giggle appropriately at all the jokes he was quick enough to catch. That's where he thrived. Listening and watching.

But performing? In front of an audience? Might as well throw him into a cupboard with his boggart.

So when his class was told that they would be putting on a play involving costumes and music and a real audience (full of their parents), Alfie was the only kid in the room who didn't jump up and cheer. Maybe if he asked politely he could have opted out, but he didn't really know how to do that. Asking not to be part of the play sounded even worse than having to take part in it.

And this is how Alfie found himself dressed as a reindeer, waiting to receive a red painted nose. The great horror of his young life.