Dear Marvin~

Say, what's kickin', chicken?  I hope this finds you well.

As for me, I'm okay, but ever since you moved away, I've been missing you really badly.  Things just aren't the same without you here.

The kids all ask about you.  I tell them the latest news.  I hope you don't mind.

Gosh, it seems it's been a lifetime ago when we first met.  We met in daycare.  Remember?  I sure do.  You were that skinny, bowlegged kid with the mop of bright red hair and freckles covering your face.  You reminded me of a little banty rooster: always moving, always looking for things to do or eat.  You were always hungry, it seemed.  Meanwhile, I was the fat, awkward, shy kid that people always picked on.  You took me under your wing, and ... we've been pals ever since.

Now because of your parents' split, you moved away. 

I feel so lost without you.

The kids' teasing has only gotten worse.  Pig-snot, Fatty Matty, Lard-Butt, and Two Tons Of Fun are only a small sampling of the insults thrown my way day after day after day.  I dread going to school because I just cannot handle all that teasing I have to put up with!

Well, I'll let you go, as it's time to go to my second class, which is English.  (I'm now in Study Hall.)  I do hope you'll write back; I'd really like for you to write back and let me know how you're doing.  Or tell me that you're coming back.  I really need you here!!

~As always, your friend, Matthew Archibald Grogan. :(