First Grade Friend

She told me she was obese, and that it was a disease. Uncommon in the eighties, cruel children would tease. She said her heart wasn't strong, and she took medication, also she might not live long. To first grade ears this was devastation! Soon we became friends and she was so much fun! I wondered why other kids stayed away. She told me I was her only companion, and she said she was simply born that way. Soon I became convinced I'd catch it too. She was like me, with thicker flesh and bone. I risked my life for her like good friends do. I didn't want my friend to die alone. (True story)