"...Ninety-seven, ninety-eight, ninety-nine, one hundred! Ready or not, here I come!" I yelled the last numbers, after unashamedly skipping many of them to count faster to the end. I began my search around the park's playground, around the trees, swings, and slides.

"You can run, but you can never hide from me!" I tried to add an evil tone to my voice, but it was difficult to suppress my laughter. Then I heard her giggling from behind a bush. I found myself on tiptoes going around it as I caught a glimpse of her sitting on the grass, her little hands covering her face. I squatted beside her silently right when she peeked through one of her fingers and squealed as she pulled herself up from the ground and ran. Chasing her around the park, her giggles, and my smile that hurt my cheeks, I was sure that there was nothing more blissful than that.

"Ooooh, Kimi! I'm going to catch you!"

"No!" She screamed, still laughing, her fluffy yellow skirt bouncing playfully at the beat of her steps.

Once I was close enough, stretching my hands, I caught her by the waist and hugged her, spinning in circles, holding her protectively close to me.

We both laughed. Kimi felt lighter than feathers in my arms. Suddenly I felt so aware of how small and fragile she was, like a porcelain doll that needed special care and constant attention. Dizzy from the spinning, I slowly lowered her feet to the ground, she grabbed my hand, and we began walking home.

"Did I tell you I'm starting summer camp tomorrow morning?" Kimi said excitedly with her sweet childish voice.

"Yes, you have mentioned it only a million times," I teased her with a tickle.

"Have not!" she giggled, and I couldn't help but smile because her joy was contagious.

"Yes, you have. But that is wonderful, Kimi. You're going to love it."

"Why don't you come with me, Kerri?"

"Well, I don't think they'll allow an 18-year-old to join the camp unless it's for working."

"That's no fun. But it would be better if you were there," Kimi pouted.

"I know, kiddo. But trust me, you'll love it so much and make so many friends that you won't need me at all."

"I will always need you."

A sad smile tugged at my lips. I hadn't told Kimi yet that I was leaving for college soon. I hated that I had to give her some news that would ruin her summer, so I decided not to tell her, at least until I had everything ready to get going. Not sure if that was the correct way to deal with the situation, but leaving her was equally as difficult for me.

I always wanted my parents to have more kids, at least one more. I desired to be a big sister. Then I met Kimi Allen. She and her single mother moved in across the street when I was about 11 years old. She was just a few months old baby and her mom, far away from her family, was in dire need of help. My mom and I offered to assist with Kimi and a few house chores when she had to work at the hospital. Taking care of her was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I saw her grow-up, too quickly, but it was such a beautiful thing. We grew close, and I felt such a deep love for that little girl. That's when I knew God finally gave me a little sister. The bond between Kimi and I grew stronger. My parents cared so deeply for both of them that it felt as if we adopted them into our family.

By the time I was done reminiscing, we had already arrived at Kimi's house. I lowered my face to a level with hers and, carefully, watched her expression.

"You'll have me here for a long, long, long, long, long--"

"Long, long time," she laughed, finishing my sentence.

"Exactly. Even if I'm not with you at camp, you will have lots of fun, and afterward, I'll be waiting here for you to have more fun, okay?"

"Yeah," a smile of an agreement made her face glow.

"Now, I want you to be careful tomorrow. Always follow instructions, respect others, and listen to older people, 'cause they sometimes know better. And, of course, have fun. Is that clear?"

She nodded. "Yes, clear."

"Okay, then. Good girl." We hugged goodbye, and she ran up the steps to her front door as I crossed the street to my house.

"Kerri-Ann!"

I looked back at her with a smile.

"Love you," she mouthed, tapping on the 'K' letter pendant of her golden necklace that matched mine. I did the same, and then we both disappeared into our homes.