Christy's family was moving. She was very sad.
Christy did not want to leave her friends.
"Don't worry, honey. You'll make new friends," Mom said.
"You'll love the new house too," said Dad. But Christy was still sad.
Christy did not like her new school. The kids did not speak to her.
They did not play with her. Christy did not have any friends.
"What did you do at school today?" asked Dad.
"I'm sure there are many nice kids in your class," said Mom. Her parents were very worried.
One day after school, Christy was walking home alone. She saw a little park.
"I am going to take a walk in that park," Christy said to herself.
The next day Christy was smiling. "Can I play in the park after school?" Christy asked cheerfully.
"With who, Christy?" asked Mom.
"With my new friend," smiled Christy.
"Of course you can," Mom and Dad said happily.
During lunchtime Christy ate only half of her ham sandwich.
All day long she was smiling. Christy could not wait for school to be over.
She wanted to go to the park to see her new friend.
"Did you have fun in the park?" asked Dad.
"Oh yes," answered Christy.
"What's your friend's name?" asked Mom.
"Hammie!" Christy giggled.
On Saturday Christy went to the park to see her new friend.
"Do you want some of my sandwich? No one at school wants to be my friend.
You're the only friend I have, Hammie."
Christy was helping her mom make dinner.
"Why don't you invite your friend for dinner?" Mom asked.
"Uh, I think he's shy," Christy answered quickly.
"Christy, is your friend a boy?" Mother said with surprise.
"Excuse me, I have to get something from my room!"
"What's going on?" asked Dad.
"Christy's new friend Hammie is a boy!" Mom said.
"A boy! You mean Christy has a boyfriend?" said Dad. Christy's parents were worried once again.
One day there was a new girl in Christy's class.
"Class, this is Mina. Her family just moved here," said Mrs. Peters.
"Mina, go and sit next to Christy."
"Hi, Christy! Can I sit here?" asked Mina.
"Sure," said Christy. The two girls began talking.
"Let's walk home together!" said Mina.
"Well, I have to meet my friend," said Christy.
"Do you want to meet my friend?"
The two girls chatted all the way to the park.
It was already dark outside. Christy was not home yet.
Her mom and dad were very worried.
They knew she was at the park with Hammie.
"Do you know what time it is, young lady?" Dad said angrily.
"I'm sorry. I was in the park . . . " began Christy.
"We know Hammie is your boyfriend!" shouted Mom and Dad together.
"Go to your room! You are in big trouble!"
Christy's parents were very upset. They did not know what to do. Then the phone rang.
"My name is Mina. I'm Christy's friend."
"I'm sorry, Mina, but Christy can't come to the phone right now," said Mom.
"Can you tell Christy that I am going to bring some extra sandwiches for Hammie tomorrow?" Mina said.
"You know Hammie? Tell me all about him. What does he look like?
How old is he?" Christy's mom was getting upset again.
"Hammie is a raccoon," said Mina.
"Christy, we're so sorry for shouting at you." Mom hugged Christy.
"We didn't know Hammie was a raccoon," said Dad.
"We thought he was your secret boyfriend," said Mom.
"I was so lonely until I met Hammie in the park," said Christy.
"Every day he came to play with me. He was my only friend."
The next day Christy went with Mina and her parents to the park.
Soon Hammie came to say hello to his friends.
"Mom, Dad, this is Hammie, my old friend," Christy said.
"And this is Mina, my new friend."