Fine

Timothy knocks on the door

the next night, later than usual.

“Homework,” he says,

handing me my books.

Then he pulls an envelope from his back pocket.

“And letter.”

I would recognize that stationery

and pretty handwriting anywhere.

“From Stacey?”

Timothy nods.

“Where did you see her?”

“I took her homework to her today.”

“So, you told her

what I said yesterday?”

“Don’t worry—I didn’t have to.

She told me to wait while she wrote this.”

I tear open the envelope

and read:

Dear Mimi,

How are you? I am fine,

and I like having another vacation.

I miss you,

but we’ll see each other again soon.

I’m glad we went to shop

and I’m glad we didn’t back down

to Mr. Sperangium

(oops, did I write that?).

And I would do it all over again.

Pinkie promise??

Love,

Stacey

“Thank you, Timothy.

That was nice of you.”

“She’s your friend,” he says,

and I say, “So are you.”