Best Friends

By Marilyn Kratz

Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself (Gal. 5:14).

Emma could hardly wait for Suzan’s birthday party.

“The party will be even more fun because Michaela will be there,” Emma said to Mother on the way to Suzan’s house.

“I know,” said Mother. “It’s always fun to be with your best friend.”

When they got to Suzan’s house, Suzan’s mother invited all the children into the playroom.

“Let’s play dolls,” Suzan said.

Everyone ran to get a doll. Emma picked up two dolls and gave the prettiest one to Michaela.

After that they played with teddy bears. Michaela picked out two teddy bears and let Emma choose one to play with.

Next, all the children played house. Suzan got to be the mother because it was her birthday. The other children sat around the table and pretended to eat.

“Would you like some of my cookies?” Emma asked Michaela, offering her some pretend cookies.

“Oh, thank you,” said Michaela. “May I pour you some more milk?” She poured pretend milk into Emma’s glass.

Then they played musical chairs. One by one, Suzan’s mother removed the chairs until only one chair remained. Emma and Michaela were the last two players.

Emma knew only one of them could win the game by sitting on the chair when the music stopped. Emma didn’t want Michaela to lose the game. But she knew Michaela would want her to try to win too.

When the music stopped, Emma just stood there, looking at Michaela. Then Michaela smiled. Emma smiled back at her and knew just what to do. They both sat down and shared the chair!