I set a small embroidered cushion down on the dock by the black lake and lay my head on it, picking up my small book. My group of friends all sat around, doing their own thing. 

I heard a voice asking something about hazards and Gurdyroot, but I payed no attention, as I was too absorbed in my book.

''I dunno, it's pretty stinky, if you ask me.'' someone else said.

I squeezed my eyes tight, absorbing the beautiful words written in my small book of poetry.

I sat up suddenly, ''You know what's a beautiful word?'' I asked.

''What?''

''Lachrymose.''

They stared at me blankly, and I went back to lying down with my book. 

Everyone went back to what they were doing. I started to crawl to the edge of the dock. I dipped my fingers in the lake. I turned around and squinted at Lilac. She was watching Sam do his work and pointing out spelling mistakes. 

''Lilac?'' 

''Yes?''

''Will you come with me for a second?'' I asked. 

''Sure!'' she said enthusiastically, seeming to be bored of helping her brother. 

We walked a little ways away and I started to tell her about Caspiar and how he doesn't have any friends, and is seemingly alone all the time. 

''Are you following?'' I asked.

''Yeah. But why are you telling me this?''

''Don't you think we should try to be his friends?''

''Definitely, but why specifically me?''

''Because you get along with everyone,'' I said, smiling. ''Sure, all of us will be try to be his friends, but I have the feeling that you'll get along with him best, so all I'm saying is that you should talk to him. I will too and I'm sure everyone else will be willing, but  it would be better if just one of us talked to him, because it would be a little awkward if five people started crowding him all at once, right?''

''You're right, Sarah. I'll talk to him.''

I grinned. ''Thanks.''