Grisham's Lessons #4 Friendship

While not commonplace, it sometimes happens that new acquaintances feel an almost instant kinship that quickly develops into a lasting friendship. When this takes place it is due to the guileless spirits of those involved, wherein they quickly see the good in one another and are attracted to that. Larry describes how this quick connection takes place in The Island Gang, Legend of Crystal Cove, between Mr. Grisham and Wendy. Though Wendy is instantly startled when she first sees that Grisham has been watching her on the porch swing, and is in a hurry to collect her shells and head home, she is comfortable with his invitation to use the porch swing at her leisure, and soon returns to enjoy the view from his swing once more. When she does, she hears a muffled noise coming from the rear of the house. Her curiosity is piqued, and she carefully makes her way along the wraparound porch. What she witnesses evokes in her a deep sense of compassion, causing her emotions to surface. Realizing that she is witnessing a private moment, she attempts to make her way quietly back to the swing, yet her feet seem to find every squeaky board in the decking. She quickly mounts the swing and begins to sing. In the scene that follows the lasting bond I refer to above is formed.