Mary uses a walking stick. Benjamin recently learned how to walk. Mary is 99.
Benjamin is 2. The neighbors may seem like1friends, but during the pandemic (疫情), they formed a unique2at the fence between their houses in Minneapolis.
"Benjamin just turned 2 years old. We've been 3with Mary long before he was born," Benjamin's mom, Sarah Olson said. They didn't see Mary much,4 last year when the COV1D-19 pandemic 5and the family had to stay home, Mary was someone they could 6一 outside.
During the pandemic, the Olsons7played in their yard, and Mary would be in hers. Benjamin would 8Mary when he saw her in the yard and they would play games. There's a 97-year9gap, but Benjamin doesn't see it.
"She's just Mary，or 'Mimi'," Sarah said. "We're inside and he'll go, 'Mimi? Mimi?' and we'll go outside and 10Mary. Then Mary will call out, 'Hey Benjamin!' How 11a scene it is!"
For Mary，who was completely 12during the pandemic, a friend was just what she needed. It seems Mary has 13a childlike spirit with Benjamin, playing with bubbles and even water guns.
More than a year after they first started 14together, Benjamin and Mary still 15each other's company. Benjamin and Mary's friendship has 16so many because people like to see relationships form so 17for young people and elderly people. "We didn't have to work on it at all; it just 18," Sarah said.
"Friendship can be 19in so many different ways. I'm really happy they've developed this friendship," she said. "It is such a rewarding 20for both of them."
