Grace Tsui

Dear Phyllis Reynolds Naylor,

Did you ever pretend someone was your friend, just because they had something you wanted? Do you think your friend is pretending to be your friend?

I once did pretend to be someone's friend. It wasn't because she had something I wanted, it was because she was new. I didn't want her to feel left out, so I played with her. Then I read Shiloh. Marty loved Shiloh so much I couldn't help but feel guilty I was pretending to be her friend. I started reading the book when I wasn't supposed to. I didn't want the book ever to end, but one day, it did. I tossed and turned in my sleep, trying to think of a way to be her friend. I realized all I could do was tell her I was pretending to be her friend. The next day, I tried to be her friend. I acted really nice to her. She got suspicious, and asked me why I was being so nice to her. I didn't see that coming, and I didn't know what to say.

I knew I was trapped. I had to tell her the truth. I told her what I was doing. She just turned around and left. A couple days later, I realized she was ignoring me. Marty never ignored Shiloh! I started to learn that you can't ever be friends at first sight. You have to get to know them. The next day I tried to apologize. She forgave me! Shiloh taught me a lesson: never pretend someone is your friend. If you want someone to be your friend, show respect and they will too. Do anything for them.

Sincerely, Grace Tsui