I remember my first day at Cotherstone Primary. I even remember what I was wearing: an itchy beige jumper. When I met Bethy, I forgot her name so I waited until we went out for break to look at her photo and name by her coatpeg just to remember. I never forgot her name since.

For almost six years, we spent our time together. We sort of evolved together, changing together, striking against climate change together.

She was one of those people who you could never win against in an arm wrestleing challenge. Seriously, she was soooooooo strong. She was like our little worrior in our base, keeping us safe and scavenging for useful stuff.

For lockdown, we went to the river a LOT. We always went on the swing next to the bridge or to the rocky beach. I went swimming with my clothes on once with her! I remember one time we came back from the river, I was soooooo late and mum shouted at me a lot; but I think I was late because my heart knew of the little time we have on this Earth, and that it wanted to be with this beautiful, amazing and free soul.

I was so sad to leave for France. It felt like I couldn't live without her. I was so sad to hear she was ill again with cancer and I couldn't really believe it. When I found out she had gone, I couldn't believe it at all. It felt like my heart had been ripped out of my chest. I cried in the nights and felt deppressed in the daytime.

But my heart is slowly healing, my wound will soon be a scar; and when I look back at Bethy, I won't be sad: I'll feel happy for the time I spent with her.