"We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend."-Robert Louis Stevenson
Stunned, Ryder stood there by Lacey's hospital bed and held her limp hand, remembering her last words before she fell unconscious. He swallowed hard and glanced at Lacey's face. A peaceful expression had taken residence there after a momentary look of discomfort as she lost consciousness. Silent tears streaked down Ryder's face as he allowed himself to think about the possibility of losing his best friend forever. Ryder thought back to the day when they first met.
It was summer-June fourth-to be exact. He had just moved into the house next to her Grandma. They met outside in the field spanning between the yards. She was four and he had just turned five. Her beautiful golden ringlets glowed in the sun and her light pink bow went perfectly with her lady bug dress. Lacey was the one to strike up the conversation all those years ago. "Hi, I'm Lacey. What's your name?" she had asked. "I'm Ryder," he had replied while pointing a finger at his chest. "Do you want to play with me?" Lacey asked, just as her older cousin Vera walked out of the house and down towards Lacey and Ryder. He replied, "Sure," and they were instantly best friends. That day, they skipped rope and played with balls, and chased each other in the field with Vera watching over them. Dinner came all too soon and suddenly Lacey was inviting Ryder over for spaghetti and meatballs. Vera helped Ryder and Lacey ask permission from both Ryder's mom and their Grandma. When both agreed, Ryder and Lacey happily skipped around the kitchen table until the food was on the table.
Ryder squeezed Lacey's hand silently praying that she would be okay. The door squeaked open and in walked nurses and doctors who promtly whisked him out of the room while they evaluated Lacey's condition. Ryder collapsed into the nearest chair and let the tears fall and the memories flood his mind.
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