Our eyes met.We exchanged a look of pain,but not of pity.Compassion,maybe. “You seem like an interesting person, Essie,” Casimir said,obviously trying to be a friend.Maybe, deep down,he was a good,true person.Something inside of me said yes.My heart skipped a beat then.It was the first time I had ever heard him say my name.Surprisingly enough,I wasn’t acting all weird around him as I did with other boys.There was something about him that was reassuring,almost,in a way. “Your life sounds more exciting than mine is. So you’re a writer? Intruiging.I read books a lot.If you ever got published, then I would read your book,” he said plainly. He coughed some more. “Sick as always,” he said. “What time is it now, like midnight or something? If anyone else knew that I wasn’t sleeping and that I was up at this hour, they’d have a fit about it. Everyone says that I need to rest, epecially since I’m recovering from a little surgery. Three weeks ago, I had an operation. Would you like to see my scar?” Casimir asked.