Freddy was also very popular at school. Perhaps respected would be a better word for Freddy. Just like Millie, Freddy did not want to be the center of attention and he was more successful at staying out of the limelight than she was. Millie was cute, gregarious, witty and open. Like his dad, Freddy was more inward, more contemplative. He was a very nice looking boy, and he was athletic, intelligent and friendly—but often, when he could, he preferred his own society.
He was never rude or standoffish. He joined in games and eagerly participated in class discussions. He had good friends, but only a very few were intimate friends. He was very well liked, but other kids, especially his closest friends, had quickly discovered just how far to intrude into Freddy's sphere of self. His friendship was sought but his frequent need for space was respected.
Freddy's favorite companion at the river was his rat terrier, Terry. With only Terry along, Freddy's imagination was free to go where it wanted. It didn't have to mesh with someone else's imagination.
One of the things Freddy thought over was his relationship with Millie. She was his sister and he loved her. But she had been more than a sister. She had been his best friend as long as he could remember. The love hadn't changed, but recently the nature of the friendship had. He knew what was happening. They both were growing up and Freddy wasn't sure he liked that. He was, as are all children, anxious for the experiences and privileges that came with growing up but he had loved his childhood relationship with Millie. Freddy still wanted that, and most of the time, so did Millie. But more and more frequently, Freddy could tell that it just wasn't the same. Millie was growing up faster than he was. Growing up and getting to do more things was exciting… but it was also sad.
Copyright © 2008-2025 Gordon Klopfenstein
Posted 25 June 2025