So who really needed this play? Why was it so important to me?

"I hope we’ll have rehearsals all day today,” Esti said quickly. “I love missing regular classes!”

“No chance of that,” Chani responded, and the conversation rolled on from there. Esti had managed to change the subject, but why? What was her problem with talking about our play?

At recess Esti asked me to come outside with her. When we were alone at the end of the corridor, she confronted me. “Batya! Whatever possessed you to tell everyone about the play?”

“Why not?” I defended myself. “It’s not a secret, is it? You never said not to tell.”

“I thought it was obvious. You should have known not to tell anyone. It’s so embarrassing!”

“What are you talking about? I don’t get it. Why is it embarrassing?”

“Because in the serious, real play, I only got a tiny part. I don’t want everyone to think I mind so much that I went and organized a homemade play just so I could have a leading role.”

I wanted to say “what are you talking about” once again, but I kept silent, staring at the steady stream of girls who were passing by, gaily chattering. Actually, Esti was right, wasn’t she? But to me it had seemed like a wonderful thing — a great opportunity for Esti to star in a different play, after she had been disappointed in the school play. How was it possible that now, the way Esti put it, it suddenly seemed embarrassing and pathetic?