I thought about how I’d feel if Mom was my principal. She’d always know if I got in trouble, if there was a test, if I was talking to someone or not.

“No, I get it,” I said. “I mean, yes, of course I’d do anything to have my mom back. But if she was here and things were normal, I would not be too happy having her watch me all day.”

Casey sighed. “That’s why Gabby liked high school so much. She got rid of Mom on an hourly basis!”

“But it’s not just you,” I said. “Jessica Walsh’s mom is a teacher there, and Jake Todd’s dad is a science teacher. Claire’s mom works in the lunchroom, and Richie Miller’s mom works in the office. Almost every teacher or staff person there has a kid who goes through that school at some point….”

“True,” said Casey. “It’s totally worse for Claire. I mean, her mom is probably not going to let her eat only french fries for lunch.” She giggled.

“I know!” I said.

“ ‘Claire, you come back here and get milk and some fruit!’ ” Casey imitated in a high voice.

“ ‘And you sit with those nice kids over there!’ ” I imitated in a high voice too.

We collapsed into giggles on the floor.

“Well, thank you for showing me that someone always has it worse,” said Casey.

“It is my duty as your friend to always make you feel better!” I said.

She smiled. “It’s going to be a long summer without you, Miss L.!” she said.

“Don’t worry,” I said, laughing. “You’re in for an even longer year with me when you get back.”

“Ugh!” said Casey, and then she hopped up. “Okay I can only take three books, so help me decide here!”

We spent the next hour debating the books Casey had on her shelf until her mom peeked in and said, “Ladies, I can assume you’re having a good time, but need I remind you that someone named Casey has to be packed and ready to go in the morning? The very early morning?”

Then we got down to business, with me calling out the things that were on Casey’s packing list and Casey folding them up and stuffing them into a giant duffel bag.

That day seemed like a long time ago now, especially with the first day of school right around the corner. Maybe everyone was right. Maybe middle school would be different. Maybe everyone was worried about it for different reasons. Maybe I should be worried about it.