Oscar

“Hello, Oscar,” I said, sitting down like I did every day in the same
blue, plastic chair.

“Did you have a good day? I know I did. I’m wearing my favorite pants

today. Everybody seemed to be in a good mood today. Especially

Tyler. He and Lorna are going out. I’m so happy for them. None of the

teachers gave us anything hard, either. I had lots of free time to read

my book, A Farewell to Arms. It’s a really good book. I had trouble

understanding it at first, but it’s good. I don’t suppose you read much

do you, Oscar? Do you ever get lonely? I mean, you’re all by yourself

in there except for that other guy. Hmm. I guess you’re the kind of

person that could entertain himself. I rather enjoy it, too, entertaining

myself, I mean.”

The bell rang. I pressed my fingers against the glass as though to say farewell. “Goodbye, Oscar,” I said, rising to leave. I gave him a smile and took off.