There were ten children in her family and not enough space, and although no one in their class ever said anything about all that, it was clear what they thought

Frustration! It seemed to Esti that her plans for the great Cake Surprise were being thwarted at every turn. Her first foray into the NO TRESPASSING cupboard revealed no colored sprinkles, no pink icing, and no confectioners’ sugar. A frantic search confirmed that they were neither hidden behind the cans nor in the freezer.

What she did find was a postcard from Rivky, who had until this summer been her closest, most trusted ally and best friend. Esti gulped when she came across it because, to her shame, she hadn’t bothered to reply.

Dear Esti,

We’re having a great vacation! There’s only one thing missing and that’s you. My parents say I can invite you to join us. There are loads of space and if your father will drive halfway, my father will meet him and bring you back with him to join us. What fun!

Pleeease say yes! The reason I’m writing and not calling is that we have no reception here.

Can’t wait!

Your best friend,

Rivky

For a moment Esti was too distracted to remember that she was in pursuit of baking ingredients. The reason she hadn’t answered Rivky’s letter was because she had decided to drop her. Rivky just wasn’t… with-it. She lived in a pretty tumbledown house, with cracks in the rotting windowpanes and peeling paint. There were ten children in her family and not enough space, and although no one in their class ever said anything about all that, it was clear what they thought.