When they finished the sandwiches, Kayla sat next to her mother in the car. As it disappeared, Heather felt as if part of her had left too. She sat on Kayla’s front porch and cried. Suddenly, a hand touched her shoulder. She spun around. It was Melanie. Her heart sank like a stone. What was she doing here?

“Are you okay?” Melanie said.

“I’ll never be okay,” Heather retorted. “My best friend is gone.”

“I know,” said Melanie. “If you need a friend, I could be your friend. We could play clue or go fish or I could show you my new …...”

Heather stiffened and shook her head. “I have to go home,” she said and trudged down the street. The next few days Heather stayed inside and waited near the computer.

Finally, she received a message. “We arrived safely at my grandparents. The first thing I ate was a peanut butter and banana sandwich, because I miss you. Say hello to Melanie for me. Have you signed up for the babysitting course yet? Love Kayla.”

Heather’s excitement burst like a tired birthday balloon. Why did Kayla have to mention Melanie? And why did God let Kayla move away, anyways. It just wasn’t fair. Didn’t he care that Kayla was her best friend!  Heather couldn’t stand it any longer. She knelt to pray.  

“Dear Jesus, you know how sad I feel about Kayla moving away. Please help me feel happy again.”

Standing up, Heather knew what she had to do. She marched down Kayla’s familiar street, past the sold sign in front of her house, and knocked on Melanie’s door.

“Heather.” Melanie looked surprised. “I’m so happy to see you.”

“Kayla says hello,” Heather said without cracking a smile. Just then, a fluffy white puppy bounded toward her. She bent over and patted the happy dog.

“I didn’t know you had a puppy,” Heather said as the excited dog licked her fingers. “He’s cute.”

“My grandmother’s a dog breeder,” Melanie said. “She has more, if you want to see them.”

Melanie’s puppy Peppy snuggled into Heather’s lap. She stroked his soft fur. Playing with Peppy was fun. Melanie showed Heather a trick she had just taught the young puppy.

Melanie’s grandmother came into the room and introduced herself to Heather. “Can you stay for lunch? I can make some peanut butter and banana sandwiches if you like.”

Suddenly, Heather burst out laughing. The more she laughed the more Peppy jumped and wagged his curly tail.

“What’s so funny,” Melanie asked looking puzzled.

When Heather finally settled down she felt that things had changed. “I’m happy, that’s all. God answered my prayer.”

As Peppy nuzzled his wet nose against Heather’s arm, the weight that she had been carrying, lifted. She looked at Melanie and smiled. “Want to take a babysitting course with me? We can sign up today.”

Melanie’s eyes lit up. “Sure.”

“Great,” Heather said. “Let’s tell Kayla. She’d love to hear from both of us.”

With Peppy trailing along side, Heather and Melanie walked to Heather’s house. Heather’s thoughts were racing with things to tell Kayla. But the surprising thing was how good it felt to share this with Melanie.