Childhood friend. You moved from California to Indiana and my Dad had just moved to California. Knowing you, I felt closer to him. We played for hours, never saw your Mom. Then you moved without ever saying good-bye.

Teenage babysitter when I was 7 or 8. During the summer she’d lay out in the sun with her top undone and my brother would scare her into jumping up therefore revealing herself to his gleeful little friends.

Age 7. Scared, sad, confused. Loved Holly Hobbie and my cat. Hated the new school, the new sterile 2 bedroom apartment and every unknown noise within. Three Musketeers – Mom, Jay and me. Missed her Dad, wished for letters.

Grade 3 teacher. You liked to read Encyclopedia Brown stories aloud. We learned multiplication and division. We wrote letters to Roald Dahl. Looking for a father, I asked if he was married, you chided me. I’ve never forgotten.

Neighbour when I was 8. Native to England, spoke with a brilliant accent. Introduced me to hot tea when I had the flu. You babysat me sometimes. You were a comfort. I’d have loved to remain your friend.