She spun round immediately, thinking that somehow it was Alfie. “Hello, Evie! Ben and Tigger and I are just out for our walk. We thought we’d see if you and Alfie wanted to come with us. I know you haven’t had a lot of time to walk him recently.” Gran was beaming at Evie, but then she noticed Evie’s dad, who was shaking his head and holding his finger to lips. “Jack, are you all right?” Gran asked worriedly, as Tigger and Ben towed her through the gate. Evie’s dad sighed. “Not really.” Evie crouched down to pat Ben and Tigger. “We just took Alfie to Riverside,” she told them quietly. Somehow it was easier to tell the dogs than Gran. Suddenly she remembered. “You were right, Gran, you said we wouldn’t be able to manage.” “Oh, sweetheart, I’m really sorry.” Gran’s face crumpled. “I hadn’t realized it was that bad.
