Along the way, I said a little prayer to God that everyone would be alright, and my heart, mind, and body trembled. “Please be okay…please be okay,â€? I whispered solemnly. I couldn’t lose Casimir. His father would miss him, and I would without a doubt. He had gradually become my best friend over the summer, and he had grown to truly value me for who I was. When no one else was there, I confided in Casimir, and we had been a great source of love and comfort to one another. I just couldn’t lose that.
I, Ms. Ledezma, and a few others assembled in a gazebo facing southwest of the house. I put my head in my hands and sobbed, trying to block out all of the commotion going on around me. I could hear the piercing screech of the sirens. Just then, I felt a hand on my shoulder. “You’re a good friend, Essie,â€? a firm yet kindly voice said. “Casimir is so grateful he got to know you.â€? I turned around and realized that it was Ms. Ledezma. I was fairly surprised by her words. “Thank you,â€? I managed.