Abby pressed her notebook against her knees, carefully tracing the letter “A.” She heard the distant laughter of children outside, but in her heart, she felt the familiar ache of being left out. At home and at school, Abby always seemed invisible, her voice drowned out by the chatter of others.

Abby picked at her sandwich, watching the other kids play tag and trade stories. No one asked her to join. She wished, with all her heart, for a friend who understood her. Tears pricked her eyes, but she bit her lip and held them back, clinging to hope.

"Abby, you are never alone," the voice whispered, soft as a lullaby but strong as a promise. Abby looked up, startled, her heart pounding. "Who’s there?" she breathed, eyes wide. The voice replied, "I am God, your forever friend. I see you, I love you, and I will always be with you."

She talks to God about her worries, her dreams, and her fears. Sometimes, she laughs out loud at His gentle jokes and wise words. Her parents and teachers notice her whispering to someone they can’t see. "Abby has such an active imagination," they say, but Abby knows the truth—her friend is very real.

"Just like them, you are called out, Abby," God reminds her. "You are special, and I am keeping you safe until it’s time for you to shine." Abby hugs her knees, feeling braver with every word. She knows she is loved more than she could ever imagine.

Abby smiles at a new classmate sitting alone, offering a seat and a gentle word. She knows deep in her heart that with God as her best friend, she can do wonderful things—things that show His love to everyone. "If you ever feel this way, remember," she whispers to herself, "You are beautiful. You are important. You are never alone. You are loved more than you could ever dream."