"No one is going to solve their problems by writing to other kids their age. It’s just a glamorized pen pal system”

"H

i, Devory,” Rikki said into the phone.

“Rikki Dee! How are you?”

“Baruch Hashem. How are you?”

“Baruch Hashem.”

“So, what’s been going on since camp?”

“Nothing, really. How about by you?”

“Also nothing,” Devory said.

“Really?” Rikki hoped Devory didn’t detect her disappointment. Did that mean that Devory’s father hadn’t remarried? Her hopes of helping Ruchie’s family were dashed.

“Yeah, really,” Devory said. “Camp wasn’t that long ago.”

Rikki heard the nurse talking on her cell phone in the next room. She didn’t tell Devory that time had nothing to do with change.

“Are you going back this summer?” Devory said.

“You mean to camp? Yes. I mean, I hope so.” Rikki suddenly wasn’t sure if Chaya being home would alter her summer plans.

“What do you mean, you hope so?”

“I don’t know. I just haven’t really discussed it with my mother yet.”

“Isn’t it, like, a given?”

“I guess so.”

“I can’t wait to go to camp! Eight weeks isn’t long enough for me.”

Rikki heard bitterness in Devory’s voice.

“Hey, Rikki, did a speaker from South Africa come to your school?”

“The Share and Care lady. Yes.”

“Are you joining?”

“I don’t know,” Rikki hated to lie. “I’m still thinking about it.”

“Why would you need to join anyway?”

“Everyone could use chizuk for something. No one’s life is perfect.”

Devory laughed. “Right. Like, maybe you’re having a bad hair day.”

Rikki winced. What was with Devory?

“Very funny, Devory. How about you?” She tried not to let irritation seep into her voice. “Are you joining?”

“No way! The whole thing is crazy.”

Rikki was taken aback by the outburst. “Why is it crazy? There are lots of kids who can really benefit from it.”

“Oh, please! You sound like the speaker. No one is going to solve their problems by writing to other kids their age. It’s just a glamorized pen pal system.”

(Excerpted from Mishpacha Jr., Issue 798)