Never Grow Up

she swam into the lead.
“Wow!” Liza sounded surprised. “She really could do the Olympics.”
Mandy got out of the water and joined Kari and the others. “We did it! We won!”
Kari wanted to remind Mandy that she, alone, had taken them from third to first place. But then… that wasn’t true. The relay was a team effort.
Just like friendship, Kari thought. When one person is down, the others pick her up.
She thought again about Mandy’s advice. Do the next thing. Then Kari remembered Ms. Nan giving her extra time for her outline, and Mandy and Liza cheering her up at school earlier.
“Great work.” Coach Miller pulled the relay swimmers into a huddle. “Win or lose… I’m proud of you. But today was a win. The best of the season.” She put her hand in the middle of the circle. “Great season! Hands in. Teamwork on three… one, two, three!”
“Teamwork!” Kari and her teammates shouted.
Again Kari looked up in the stands at her family. They were still clapping and cheering. Showing their support. Kari could only hope her parents would be as supportive if she failed Ms. Nan’s essay. Don’t think about that, she told herself. Not yet.
That night when it was time for bed, Kari tiptoed to her parents’ room. She knocked on the door.
“Come in.” Dad called out.
Kari opened the door. Her parents sat up in bed reading. She made her way to them.
“There’s our swimming star!” Mom looked proud of her.
“It was my fastest time. Because I decided to do the next thing.” Kari looked from her mom to her dad. “That came from Mandy.”
“I like that. ‘Do the next thing’ keeps you focused on the only thing you can actually do.” Dad set his book down. “That was nice of Mandy, to share that with you.”
Mom nodded. “Friends are important. On a team… and in life.”
“Exactly.” Kari sat on the edge of the bed. “My head has been too full to even smile lately.”
Mom ran her hands over Kari’s hair. “You haven’t figured out your essay yet?”
Kari shook her head. “How am I supposed to know what I want to do when I’m older? It’s hard enough being in sixth grade.”
Dad chuckled. “You know… you’re right, Kari.” His laughter died down. “Still… I think Ms. Nan only wants you to pick something. Anything. It gives you a chance to learn a little more about something you could possibly do when you’re older.”
The way Dad put it, picking a topic didn’t sound all that bad. “So I could pick anything, really?”
“Yes.” Her mother patted her hand. “It’s just meant to get you thinking.”
“Okay.” Kari crossed her arms. That revelation changed everything. She sighed. “Also, I don’t know if we’re ready for the talent show.”
“I can help with that.” Mom raised her hand. “Let’s get the costumes and props tomorrow after school.” Mom took Kari’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Everything is going to be fine.”
Dad’s expression looked kind. “Responsibilities are part of growing up. Sounds like you’re experiencing a little of that. More things to do… and less time to do them in.”
“But…” Mom leaned in close to Kari. “Another part of growing up is knowing when to ask for help. It takes a mature girl to do that.”
“Sometimes I just don’t know what I need help with.” Kari didn’t want to pretend everything was perfect. “I get so… so anxious.” She smiled at Dad. “I wrote a prayer in my journal today. Just like you said.”
“Did it help?” Dad’s voice was the nicest of any father anywhere.
Kari grinned. “It did help! Mandy gave me that little pre–swim meet wisdom about doing the next thing. And I swam my fastest time ever. So, yes!”
“Good.” Dad sighed. “Life isn’t always easy. But we have each other.”
“You’re going to be wonderful, Kari.” Mom assured her. “Essay or not, who you are going to be when you grow up is successful, and brave, and a hard worker. You’ll be a good friend and someone who prays for help. Whatever field you do that in… it really doesn’t matter. What matters is the kind of girl you are.” Mom put her hand alongside Kari’s cheek. “And you, Kari Baxter, are growing up to be a pretty extraordinary one.”
Kari loved that her parents knew what to say. They always helped. Why hadn’t she talked to them earlier? Her family didn’t just cheer for her at a swim meet. They cheered for her always, through the good days and the harder ones.
Even now.
“Thank you, Mom… Dad.” Kari hugged them both. “I needed this.”
“Anytime.” Dad kissed her cheek. “It’s all going to work out. Don’t forget Mandy’s advice. Do the next thing.”
“Yes.” Kari felt peace and excitement as she walked to her bedroom and slipped into bed. Whatever career she chose, she most wanted to be in a family like this one. Where people cared and cheered and took time for hugs. Kari yawned and settled into her pillow. It was time to do the next thing.
And like that, she drifted off to sleep.

18
A New Neverland
ASHLEY
The Friday night talent show was in two hours and Ashley could hardly breathe.
She stood in the bathroom next to Kari, while Mom curled her hair. What was left of it, anyway, after Elliot and the gum disaster a month ago.
“It’s grown out some.” Mom smiled at her in the mirror.
Kari nodded. “She’s right. It looks longer, Ash. For sure.”
Ashley studied herself. “You know what? I think it is longer.” She grinned. “Which is ideal, because Wendy has never had a gum disaster.” She gave her dress a gentle tug. “Thank you for making this dress, Mother. I actually am Wendy in this thing.”
They had bought the pale blue dress at the store, but there had been no sash or ruffles or lace. So Mom added all those things. Ashley shot Kari a look. “You absolutely look like a mermaid. In case you wondered.”
“Thank you.” Kari plugged her nose. She twisted