She pulls me gently by the hand to the sofa. I climb on it. The others make room for me. I am very shy. I am unsure of why. I just let things unfold.
I say shyly around my thumb, “Hello.”
The girls at that point all start talking at the same time. They are being extremely friendly and encouraging. They understand I am alone at the party and are more than willing to be my friend. They welcome me to the Prolongation Children’s couch and giggle.
One girl in a blue sparkling bikini asks, “What’s your name sweetheart?”