I'm enjoying the movie a lot. I'm not sure why I didn't have to go to school today, but I don't mind it. I like hanging out with Lizzie and I think she likes to hang out with me too. Most people just ignore me and stop talking to me because I don't talk back, but Lizzie doesn't.

She asks me simple questions and makes a lot of jokes, even though I don't think she means to be so funny. When the movie ends I stand up to reach into my backpack, taking out my drawing supplies.

I draw something that has been stuck in my mind since we started the movie. It's the hot chocolate cup with some steam coming from it. Once I'm finished I show it to Lizzie who smiles at me. She silently asks for my pencil which I hand to her.

"Hot." She states as she hands it back to me, having written the word "Hot." under it. I turn to the next page to draw a snowman while Lizzie stands up to clean our dishes. The snowman is finished when she comes back so I show it to her.

She smiles as she asks for the pencil again. "Snowman." She states as she's about to write it down, but I shake my head. She stops her movements and looks up at me with confusion, until a wide smirk form on her lips. "Cold?"

I nod, making her smile wider as she writes it down. Instead of handing my book back she places it on the coffee table and crosses her arms, shivering while making a weird sound 'brrr'. I soon realise she's cold, so I jump up and give her the blanket she gave me earlier.

She smiles as she shakes her head, telling me she's not actually cold but wanted to show me what it looks like. So I mimmick her movements, hugging myself while making the weird sound. Cold.

She nods proudly as she purses her lips in thought. I grab my sketchbook and look at my drawings, ending up on Meena, my favorite character from Sing. I show it to Lizzie who grins as she pinches her own nose with one hand, sticking the other in front of her while she walks around.

I soon realise she's imitating Meena. I run to the couch, picking up my stuffed animal to show it to her. Elephant.

I'm not sure how this started, but I'm glad that it did. Casey and I have been laughing non stop as we're portraying her drawings, the other needing to guess what it is. She's been right every time and I'm completely amazed.

Even though I already suspected it, this proves that Miss Brook was wrong. Casey is very able to distinct different animals and I can't imagine her ruining the fun for other kids at the zoo.

Casey looks confused at me as my smile drops, thinking about the things Miss Brook has said about her these past weeks. I wonder if she ever feels lonely, since she has no friends at school. If only the kids would give her a chance... They'd see how wonderful she is.

I'm pulled out of my thoughts as Casey pulls my sleeves. I turn to look at her, forcing a fake smile. She looks up at me with a questionable look and a part of me feels that she can see right through my facade.

But I ignore that feeling and proceed to lie, feeling bad the second it leaves my mouth. "I'm okay, just a bit tired." She nods slowly, obviously not believing me. Even if she's acidamally behind, she seems to have a better understanding of people than most adults do.

It's not fair that she's stuck with me while her classmates are visiting the zoo. She knows more animals than they do she deserves to-

A smile forms on my lips as a thought pops to mind. "Casey why don't you go draw for a bit? I'll be right back." I tell her as I make my way to the kitchen, dialing her grandmothers number.

It takes forever before she picks up. I'm about to end the call when I hear her voice from the otherside. "Lizzie my dear." She greets me enthusiatically.

"Hey Mia, I was wondering if it would be alright if I take Casey to the zoo today?" I question nervously. Her grandmother answers confused. "Wasn't she supposed to go to the zoo with her class today?"

I'm not sure how to answer that, but thankfully I don't have to. After a few moments of silence Mia sighs deeply. "Nevermind I think I already know the answer. Yes it would be very alright for you to visit the zoo with her. Thank you Lizzie, truly." She says genuinely.

"Of course, I could come pick you up and we could all go together?" I question her as I take a quick peek at Casey, who's drawing peacefully into the living room. "That's very kind of you, but unfortunately my body isn't what it used to be. I'd only be slowing you down. Say hi to Casey for me." She answers sadly before ending the call.

"Hey Casey?" I shout at her from the kitchen as I walk to the living room. She meets me halfway and looks at me with curious eyes.

"I would like to take you somewhere. Is that okay?" I ask carefully. She doesn't shrug, shake or nod her head. She just... Stands there.

"I promise you'll enjoy it." I state as I crouch down to her height. She seems to think about it before slowly nodding her head.

"Great! Don't forget your stuffed animal and your drawing supplies." I cheer, making her more excited as well. She runs to pack her stuff while I follow her, helping her with the last things.

I put on my shoes while she does the same, but when I turn around to hand her coat, she just crosses her arms with a pout. I'm a bit confused but once she places her foot in front of her I smile.

"Do you want me to tie your shoes?" I question making her nod. "Well because you asked so nicely." I joke making her giggle.

I make sure to pack some drinks and snacks before we walk out of the door. My car is parked in front of the apartment so it's a short walk. I make sure she's buckled up, making my way to the passenger seat and starting the car.

She smiles as I turn on the radio. I can't find a station for her age, so I connect my phone and put on a Disney playlist for her.

I smile as she hums along, completely out of rhythm but I don't mind. "Is it your first time hearing these songs?" I question her as we stop in front of a red light.

I take a quick look so see her nodding before turning my attention back to the road. "We should have a Disney marathon some day." I state suddenly.

"I'd like that."

I turn around in shock to look at Casey, who's just looking innocently at me. Did I hear that correctly or is my mind playing games with me? I glance at her through my rearview mirror to see her looking out of the window.

I start to calm down, realising it was just something I imagined. I can't help but feel guilty for it. I don't need her to talk. Yes it would be easier and less frustrating, but I accepted that this is part of who she is and now it seems like I don't.

"Do you want to go for some ice cream?" Lizzie asks when we walk away from the giraffes. I nod as I take her hand, afraid to get lost since there are a lot of people here.

There's a long waiting line but Lizzie tells me all about the other animals we're going to see, so time flies by and before I know it we're in front of the line.

"Hello there little girl. What flavor ice cream would you like?" The old man behind the counter asks me. I look over the many flavors while Lizzie tells him which one she wants.

Eventually I decide on something that looks like chocolate so Lizzie orders for me, earning a chuckle from the man. "Your daughter is pretty shy." He says to Lizzie, making me a bit confused.

I'm not shy?

Lizzie thanks him before we walk to one of the picnic tables close by. Once we sat down she hands me my ice cream. I'm about to take a bite when I hear a little girl screaming behind me. I turn around to see her in complete distress, arguing with her mother.

"But I want chocolate ice cream!"

"Then why did you choose vanilla? I'm not waiting in line again. Just eat it."

I look back at my ice cream and then at the girl. With a deep sigh I stand up and make my over to the girl, hearing Lizzie behind me. "Casey are you okay?" She asks but I decide to ignore her.

The girl and her mother stop arguing when she sees me. The older woman looks confused at me as I hold out my ice cream for the little girl. I think she's a bit younger than me.

"For me?" She asks shyly.

I simply nod as she hesitantly takes it. "That's very sweet of you, you didn't have to do that." The mother grins. I shrug before walking away.

Yes I wanted ice cream and I was really looking forward to eating it. But I'm already having an amazing day, watching my favorite movie, playing games with Lizzie, traveling with a car. I love traveling in cars. And now I'm at the zoo! I don't want her day to be ruined and I don't think anything can ruin mine.