"Really?" Thomas asked, excitedly. "How?" I could tell that he really liked the idea.

"We need some help around here. How would you like to volunteer?" I asked, smiling, knowing that he'd jump at the chance.

"Oh, wow! But, it's still imaginary friends. How do I get my parents to go for that?" he said, concerned.

"Just bring your sister with you! I think that she would like it and I know many friends who would like to learn how to sign," I explained.

Thomas thought for a moment before asking, "What would I be doing?"

"Pretty much what you did for Cecelia today; be a companion, help with their care, get to know them. The more they interact with children, even those of your age, the faster they will shrink so they fit into a house," I said. "That last part is important; many children these days want friends who can live inside with them."

Thomas nodded. "That seems logical. "Hey, Sarah!" he tapped his foot twice on the porch, getting his sister's attention through the vibration. He signed, "Would you like to come here more often?"

Sarah grinned widely and nodded her head, making her blonde curls bounce. The pixies flitted around her, also excited about her visiting frequently.

"Oh, say yes, Thomas!" Cecelia said, "You'd be really good at the job."

"Okay, yes!" Thomas said with a laugh. "I'll do it!"

He was a little surprised by the fairly loud round of applause that he heard. Thomas looked around and suddenly, he could see a wide variety of friends around the cabin, clapping for him. It was finally his turn to blush and he shifted a little uncomfortably from foot to foot.

"So, how would you feel about brushing a few more friends?" I asked. I didn't think Thomas' eyes could get any brighter, but they did.

"Yeah! But, how come they don't learn to brush each other? It's hard to get your own back. They could pair up and take turns."

I blinked and stared at him for a moment before I burst out laughing heartily. "See? You've contributed already! Not one of us thought to do that."

He beamed, "Okay, everyone, choose a partner and let's get those brushes out. Do each other's backs and then everyone can finish up themself on their own."

Cecelia looked a little sad. She'd already been brushed and she liked it a lot. But, fortunately, there was a partner for her, so she at least got to brush another friend. She liked being helpful.

Thomas went around and introduced himself to all the friends. I went and got the broom and began my cleaning chores for the day by sweeping the porch. I watched it rain fur and hair with a smile and didn't even mind when it was blown by the gentle wind onto the porch. It disappeared, after all, like it had never been.

When Cecelia was done with her partner, Thomas sat with her. I wandered back inside to wash dishes, because it was important to do them after each meal and I hadn't had the chance after breakfast. I listened to Cecelia and Thomas talk while I watched them through the kitchen window.

"So, what else does Mr. Jerry tell you about loving yourself?" he asked as they sat together, her crouching under the trees and he lounging against her.

"Well, he talks about how we are either loving ourselves or abandoning ourselves."

"Hmm. I'm not sure I understand what that means."

"Well, like, if I'm not feeling like I'm worth talking to, then I've abandoned myself because I'm not supporting myself to get through the emotion. I'm just feeling it."

"But, isn't it okay to feel emotions?" Thomas asked.

"Well, sure, but sometimes the emotions aren't good for us. If we recognize that and tell ourselves that what we are feeling isn't really how things are, we can start to change how we feel about things."

"That's pretty deep, Cecelia."

"He's a wise man, Thomas."

"So, how are you doing with that?"

She blushed. "I struggle with it a lot. Like, right now, I'm feeling like you're just talking to me because you have to."

"Oh, gosh no! I really like you," Thomas reassured her with a pat.

"Really?"

"Really."

"So, what I'm feeling isn't how things really are?" Cecelia asked shyly.

"Nope. In fact, I think you should come up with something else to think instead."

"Like what?" Cecelia asked, curious. She played with her fur, something I noticed she did when she was feeling uncomfortable. She did it a lot when we talked about her emotions.

"Like... I am a likable friend."

"I am a likable friend," she said, testing it out.

"Yep! You are!"

Many of the friends around them agreed and told Cecelia so. One green friend, who was rather bat-like with leathery skin and wings, gave her shoulders a friendly squeeze. "I like you a lot," he said.

"Thanks, Victor," she said as her fur turned lavender. It was pretty obvious that she had a little crush on Victor and that he returned the feeling.

"Okay. Whenever you feel like that, tell yourself that you are likable friend," Victor said, "That's what Mr. Jerry says that we should all do."

"Okay, I'll try," she agreed.

"I'll let you in on a little secret, Cecelia," Thomas said in a stage whisper, "because you shared with me. I'm feeling like I won't be good enough for this job. I feel like I'll mess it up."

"Oh, but you're so good with the friends, Thomas!" she exclaimed. "I think you're going to be great."

It was Thomas' turn to blush. "Thanks."

"So, what are you going to say to yourself when you feel that way, Thomas?" Victor asked.

"Umm... I'm not sure."

"Hmm..." Victor said. "How about that you can only do your best, so that's what you're going to do?"

"Oh! I like it! Yes, I am going to do the best job I can," Thomas agreed.

They lapsed into a comfortable silence, and I finished up my dishes. I thought that Thomas was going to learn as much from Cecelia as she was from him.