Ralph became the best friend Leo could have ever imagined. They did everything together and Leo even took him to school. They sat side by side on the colourful mat. Built UFOs at the construction table. They played Asteroids next to the oval, hiding and finding their coloured rocks. They stayed clear of the other kids because Leo didn’t need to try anymore. He had a friend who made him laugh, who didn’t butt in and who gave the best hugs.

At lunchtimes, the two friends huddled in the spot under the office stairs, sharing sandwiches and secrets. Leo loved hearing Ralph’s stories about space.

‘You should see Jupiter,’ said Ralph. ‘It’s huge!’

‘Wow.’ Leo chomped into his cheese sandwich. ‘You’ve really seen it up close?’

‘Yeah. That’s where I’m from.’

‘You’re from Jupiter?’

Ralph shook his head. ‘One of its moons. It’s called Ralphora.’

Leo smiled with a mouthful of bread and cheese. ‘Ralph from Ralphora. What’s it like there?’

‘Amazing! The trees are made of fairy floss and the rivers are full of pink lemonade.’

Leo closed his eyes and rolled back. ‘Yum!’ He licked his lips and rubbed his belly.

Ralph talked more about his home. All the aliens there were like him but different shapes and sizes – some short and round, others tall and a bit wonky. When they were old enough, the Ralphs travelled to other planets so they could help other creatures, including humans. That was why Ralph was here. He had zipped through space, all the way to Earth, to be with Leo because he didn’t have a friend.

‘Do you miss Ralphora?’

‘A bit,’ said Ralph. ‘But I like it here.’

Leo took the last bite of his sandwich. ‘And will you stay forever?’

It was a big question. Ralph gazed skyward and his golden fur faded. ‘As long as you need me.’

Leo smiled. He would always need Ralph.