Ben was the only other child who never hesitated.
He had been my best friend since kindergarten.
Whenever teams were chosen during recess, Ben picked Rosie before anyone could leave her standing alone.
When she dropped her lunch tray in second grade and half the cafeteria laughed, he sat on the floor beside her and ate his sandwich there.
“Rosie, you’ll always have Ben and me,” I told her.
I repeated it so often that she eventually believed it.
In fourth grade, Ben crouched in front of her on the playground and made a promise I never forgot.
“When we’re older, I’m taking you to prom.”
Rosie’s eyes widened.
“Really?”
“Really.”
“You promise?”
Ben held out his little finger.
“I promise.”
Rosie linked hers with his and then ran to me, breathless with excitement.
“Cathy, did you hear? Ben is
