Matt and Mandy

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Matt and Franco playing video games and making sandwiches

Illustrations by Matt Sweeney

How come you’re my friend?

Huh?

Well, I can’t run or ride bikes and stuff. And some people have trouble understanding me when I talk.

Yeah, I had trouble at first. But—I dunno—when I listened, it got easier. I guess I like your funny jokes. And we like a lot of the same stuff.

Game time’s over. How about a sandwich?

So how come you’re my friend?

I guess it started when those guys were picking on me and you stood up for me.

Then we talked. And I got to know you. And, well, I figure anybody who has a rubber chicken for a pet …

… needs at least one real friend.

I’m his pet?! I thought he was mine.