“I knew you would be here! Up on the rooftop. It makes you feel close to the sky, doesn’t it?”

Abigail reached out her right hand and aligned it with the sun. She squinted at the bright light in the blue sky.

“Leave me alone, Abigail.”

“No can do, R-O-S-E-T-T-A.”

“I am not in the mood to joke around, okay? Just go away.”

Rosetta was sitting in the fetal position under the shade of the rooftop. Knees tucked to her chest as she submissively wrapped her arms around her. It was self-comfort. She held a jar of chocolate cookies close to her chest, afraid of letting go as she hid away in the shadows.

Abigail kept silent. She simply sat beside her, adopting a similar posture.

One in shadow. Another in light.

Abigail gently took the jar away from Rosetta’s embrace. The darkened jar of cookies brought to light.

Abigail gently opened the glass lid. Cookie by cookie. Piece by piece. Into Abigail’s tiny tummy. To be honest, Abigail’s stomach was already filled with Syndesi’s cookies. But that did not stop her from taking in more. Abigail could feel the inner walls of her stomach expanding ever so slightly with each additional cookie she ate. It was not a pleasant sensation.

Rosetta was confused.

“Is my cookies really that nice?” Rosetta accidentally blurted out what was on her mind.

“They are alright!” Of course, cookies were alright! The cookies were never the problem. It was her stomach.

Rosetta was hesitant to ask but she did anyways...

“Better than Syndesi’s cookies?”

“No way! If you are a junior baker, Syndesi would be Michellin-class!“

“If you don’t like it, then give it back! I don’t need your sympathy!”

Rosetta tried to snatch the jar back but Abigail got up and hopped further into the light. Rosetta bit her lips and retreated into darkness.

“This ain’t sympathy...there’s something more to your cookies, you know? You have something that Syndesi doesn’t? Wanna know what it is?”

“Just spill the beans! Stop playing with my feelings!!”

“You have ME!! And I would have your cookies over Syndesi’s any time of the day because...you’re my friend. MY BEST FRIEND!!! That’s what you mean to me! Why can’t you see it? I LOVE your cookies! Because YOU made it!”

Abigail’s battle outcry shook Rosetta. There was no reply. No answer. Abigail stuck her back to the wall and sat in the foetal position a second time.

It was as if a mirror separated them. Light and Shadow.

“Sorry Abigail. I was too harsh.”

Abigail stood up, shook off the dust and reached out her hand to Rosetta.

“It’s okay. I can’t say it didn’t hurt but I will still be here for you. Because....that’s what friends do!”

“Yeah you’re right.”

Rosetta gripped Abigail’s hand and stepped into the light.

“And just to clarify, I don’t dislike Syndesi. She’s fun, friendly and outgoing. But she’s not my close friend, YOU ARE. That’s why I’m here for you, Silly!”

“Besides, I think you should try talking to Syndesi. She’s so open and friendly to everyone. If you are scared, I can lend you a helping hand haha. I mean you are always the one helping me out, I didnt expect you to be so weak...mentally HAHA”

Rosetta was perturbed at that comment. Abigail was clearly getting on her nerves.

"WOAH WOAH CHILL, I was just kidding Rosetta. But seriously, if you wanna learn more about Syndesi, I can help you! Who knows? You might be get better at baking too! Alright, it's decided then, we will hit her up after school. To be honest, I am WAYYYY more scared of Ruth. She's always so cold and aloof like Elsa from Frozen. I tried talking to her before but I was completely SHUT DOWN. And she always seems to be observing everyone. It's kinda creepy you know!"

“I get what you mean! That’s why I was surprised when she spoke up today. Anyways, thanks for the pep talk! About talking to Syndesi, let’s put that aside first. We need to get back to class before recess is over.”

“Alright! Let’s get going then!”

Rosetta was lucky to have a friend like Abigail. But, Ruth? She had no one. Not that it mattered to her. Or so she thought.