August Delaney sat in the taxi feeling lonely and sad. How could she ever find another friend as wonderful as Lily? When would she ever get to see Lily again now that she and her family were moving to Brazil?

August looked down at her fingernails, freshly manicured with little pink lilies on each nail, even her pinky. She and Lily had gone to get mani-pedi’s on this last day together, a gift from Lily’s mother. A single tear rolled down August’s cheek and plopped wet and soggy on her jeans. Having a friend move away in the middle of the school year wasn’t any fun at all.

The taxi stopped in front of her building and there stood August’s mother. She had the look she always got when she knew August was sad. Her blue eyes seemed softer and her eyes crinkled at the edges as if she were squinting. “How was it?” her mother asked as soon as she opened the door.

August shrugged. “Okay.” She didn’t want to talk because she was afraid she would cry. Instead, she ran into the building and punched the elevator button hard.

Her mother came in right behind her and rubbed August’s shoulders. “Tough day?” she asked, and August scooted close. She could feel her mother’s warmth and it broke down all of her resolve. By the time the elevator door opened, she was sobbing.

Of course, who should step out of the elevator than her bratty neighbor, Justin, who immediately zeroed in on her. “You’re crying,” he said, as if it was a personal triumph. ‘Wait until I tell the kids at school!”

August felt a surge of pure hate hit her like a lightening bolt. She tackled Justin, who was at least fifteen pounds heavier than she was and wrestled him to the ground. “If you tell I swear I will break your nose!” She drew her arm back ready to strike.

“Get off of me, you crazy girl,” Justin begged. “I won’t tell, but you are completely nuts.”

August got up, gave Justin one more threatening look, then walked into the elevator. Her mother gave her an approving nod as the door closed. “Go, girl!”

August smiled. At least she still had strength on her side. Maybe life could go on.