Ben was the only other kid who never hesitated.
I had been my best friend since kindergarten.
Every time the teams were chosen during recess, Ben chose Rosie before anyone could leave her alone.
When he dropped his lunch tray in second grade and half of the cafeteria laughed, he sat on the floor next to her and ate his sandwich there.
“Rosie, we will always have Ben and me,” I said.
I repeated it so often that he finally believed it.
In fourth grade, Ben crouched down in front of her in the playground and made a promise I never forgot.
“When we get older, I’ll take you to the prom.”
