My Girl

In the quaint town of Hanover, Indiana, a young and peculiar girl named Vada Sultenfuss lives a life that is intricately woven around death. Her father, Harry, runs a funeral parlor, and her mother's passing when Vada was just an infant has left a void in her life. As a result, Vada finds herself fascinated by the mysteries of mortality, often spending hours in the funeral home, observing and learning about different types of funerals and the emotions they evoke. Despite her preoccupation with death, Vada is not immune to the allure of life. She has developed a crush on her English teacher, Mr. Bixler, a man who not only inspires her love for literature but also becomes a source of affection and comfort. Her desire to impress him leads her to join a poetry class over the summer, where she meets her peers and engages in creative expression. Vada's life is further enriched by her friendship with Thomas J., a boy who is constantly struggling with a string of allergies that render him vulnerable to even the slightest allergen. Despite his delicate health, Thomas proves to be a loyal and dependable friend to Vada, sharing her fascination with death and supporting her through thick and thin. Their friendship is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as they face various challenges and difficulties with courage and laughter. However, as the summer progresses, Vada's life takes an unexpected turn when her father hires Shelly, a young and vivacious woman who quickly captures Harry's heart. Shelly's arrival creates tension in the Sultenfuss household, as she begins to assume a maternal role in Vada's life. While initially, Vada feels threatened by Shelly's presence, she soon comes to appreciate the younger woman's care and concern for her well-being. As Vada's father begins to fall for Shelly, he starts to transform from a distant and somewhat cold figure into a more affectionate and loving parent. This newfound warmth in their relationship creates a sense of unease in Vada, as she struggles to adapt to the changing dynamics of her family. Her feelings of insecurity and jealousy are further complicated by her unrequited love for Mr. Bixler, who begins to notice Shelly's presence in their lives. Meanwhile, Thomas J. finds himself growing closer to Vada, providing her with emotional support and comfort as she navigates the challenges of her family's changing circumstances. Through their shared experiences and conversations, Vada comes to appreciate the importance of human relationships and the value of true friendship. As she learns to let go of her feelings for Mr. Bixler and to accept Shelly as a positive force in her life, Vada begins to heal and grow as a person. The story takes a poignant turn when tragedy strikes, and Vada's life is forever changed. In a heart-wrenching scene, Vada's best friend, Thomas J., passes away from complications related to his allergies. The news of his death sends Vada into a tailspin of grief and despair, as she struggles to come to terms with the loss of her beloved friend. As Vada navigates the complexities of her emotions, she comes to realize that Thomas's presence in her life has been a defining factor in her own growth and development. His friendship has taught her the value of living in the present and finding joy in the simple things. Through her experience of loss and grief, Vada gains a deeper understanding of the human experience and the importance of appreciating the time we have with our loved ones. In the end, Vada emerges as a stronger and more resilient individual, with a newfound appreciation for life and the people who enrich it. Although her journey has been marked by hardship and sadness, it has also been illuminated by the love and support of those around her. As she moves forward, Vada looks to the future with hope and optimism, knowing that she has the strength and courage to face whatever challenges may come her way.