Sollie watched from across the street as the new family moved into the old Burchess house. The home had been empty for many months and Sollie was feeling lonely without a playmate. He saw a little girl about his age, her bright yellow dress twirling as she spun in the driveway while moving men heaved furniture into the house. “Careful Brigit!” a voice shrilled from inside. The girl continued to spin before coming to rest on the curb. She examined the mailbox and reached inside, pulling out an old magazine. She plopped down and leafed through the colorful pages, pausing on each photo before moving on. She picked at tufts of grass surrounding her. She scooped piles of ground pebbles and watched as the dust slipped between her fingers. Brigit was sad. She missed her old house, her old driveway, her old mailbox. She missed Deano and Max and Carol. Brigit stood and kicked the mailbox. She moaned dramatically and rubbed her foot.
Sollie thought this seemed like a good time to introduce himself. He scurried across the road and sat beside her. “Aren’t you cute!,” she screeched. Sollie blushed. “When did you get into town?” Sollie asked, even though he knew she just arrived. It seemed like a good icebreaker. “Today,” sighed Brigit, “but it feels like forever.” Sollie understood. His family moved often. Sollie told Brigit that she was lucky to be living in the Burchess House. “Best backyard in town,” he confided. Brigit forced a smile for her new friend, but Sollie could see the unhappiness. There was no solace in having a great yard to play in without any friends. Sollie decided to do something special. “Would you like to hold me?” he asked Brigit. She lit up and smoothed her skirt, gleefully replying “oh yes!” Sollie climbed on her lap and she squeezed him tight. “This feels nice,” Sollie thought, as Brigit’s soft small hands ran along his backside and over his ears. A quiet moment passed between them. Brigit recalled the reward her parents promised if she behaved today. She scooped up Sollie and asked if he would like to come over and help her family pick out their new dog. Sollie squirmed. Brigit was concerned. “What’s the matter Sollie? Tell me, we’re friends.” “Well,” Sollie stammered, “I’m terribly afraid of dogs you see.” Brigit nodded sympathetically. “I understand,” she replied. “Would you like to come over anyway? You can see my room!” Sollie smiled, relieved. He was happy that Brigit finally seemed content. The two walked side by side into the house, dodging the oblivious moving men hoisting three enormous bathroom mirrors.
The two entered the kitchen and were greeted with a curdling cry. “Brigit, what are you doing with that nasty thing?!” Brigit was appalled and glanced embarrassingly at Sollie. “Mom, this is-----“ but Brigit could not finish. “Ned!” Brigit’s mother screamed. She grabbed a broom and swept Sollie out of the house, just as Brigit’s father arrived. Brigit erupted in tears, chasing after her friend. “And don’t bring home anymore marmots, Brigit! New house, same rules, you hear!?” Brigit was already across the street with Sollie, who was on his way home. She told him over and over how sorry she was. Sollie was sad. He knew this meant his family would have to leave. They could not risk living next door to marmot haters. Sollie hugged his friend and said goodbye. Brigit cried so hard his fur became soaked. Sollie looked back at her once more before entering his den, knowing that tonight, his family will be digging away.
