Charlie Brown munched on his cookies and drank his milk while he talked to Daphne about school and stuff, but he couldn't stop thinking about Marcie. Dr. Crane was a very nice man and Charlie Brown knew that he shouldn't worry. But it was hard not to worry, especially since he worried about everything all of the time anyway. He felt bad because Daphne was trying so hard to be nice to him, telling him all about their son David. She really was nice. In fact she and Niles were the nicest grown-ups that Charlie Brown had ever met and it made him smile. He was lucky to live where he did, next door to such nice people. David was probably nice too, but Charlie Brown hadn't had the chance to play with him. He hoped that he and David could be friends, some day. He'd really like that and he hoped that David would like it too.
Charlie Brown hadn't realized how long he'd been sitting there, until he noticed that the light outside was becoming soft and purple. That meant that it was time for dinner. His parents would be angry if he was late for dinner, even though he was just next door at Niles and Daphne's house.
"A-are Marcie and Dr. Crane still…"
"Um, yes. They're still in his office talking." Daphne said, reading his thoughts. How in the world had she known what he was going to ask? She was like a fortune teller or something! "But don't worry, Charlie Brown. I'm sure that everything is fine."
"I-I know, but-."
She smiled. "Niles is a wonderful psychiatrist. He's helped me with me problems many times over."
Charlie Brown was surprised. "Really?"
"Oh yes. Whenever I feel sad or angry or even unsure about something, he's always there to-."
"Um, Daphne?"
"Yes, Charlie Brown?"
He looked around, uneasily. "I should get home. My mother will be expecting me for dinner. But Marcy-."
"Oh, right. I'll tell her that you had to leave but Niles will be happy to drive Marcy home. So don't worry. She'll be fine."
He looked at her worriedly. "But-."
"It'll be all right. It was nice to see you and I'm sorry that David's not here. I'll have him come over when he gets home. He's on a school trip with is classmates to Italy. Isn't that exciting?"
"Really? You'll send him over?"
"Of course. Now, you'd best get home. You don't want you7r mother to worry. Shall I call her and let her know that you're on your way?"
"No ma'am. Thanks. I'll be fine. Thank you, Mrs. Crane… for the cookies and milk and for being so nice."
"Please, call me Daphne, okay?"
Charlie Brown nodded. "Okay, Daphne. Goodbye."
As he headed for home, he thought again about how David was lucky to have such great people as parents. And he was lucky to have them as neighbors… and friends.