Remember, friends might one day hurt you
True friends, on the other hand, will always have your back
" No!" Emma gasped as she sat next to Mia.
" That idiot!" Annie added angrily, cracking her wrists.
" Don't worry, Mia. We don't think that!" Rose said softly.
Mia sighed as she looked at the paper on her hand. " It's fine."
But deep down, she didn't feel ' fine'.
She felt sad
She wanted to cry so badly.
She was a good ninja.
Wasn't she?
Emma noticed her face and scooted closer. " Mia, you can't just listen to people like that! You know that!*
" But she was my old friend." Mia whispered. " If anyone knows anything about me, it's her."
Annie looked at Mia and sat behind her. " Just because she was your old friend doesn't mean you listen to her." She advised as she started to braid her friend's hair. " Friends don't say things like that to other friends."
" Yeah, and if you want people to help you remember that, you have us." Emma added.
Rose gently pried the paper out of her sister's hand and scanned it. " This doesn't look like something a friend would send. It looks like something an enemy would."
Mia took a shaky breath. " We were friends until I was awarded the best helper in class because I did more helpful deeds than her. She's been jealous ever since."
Emma put a comforting hand on Mia's shoulder. "Mia, it's really not your fault if someone else feels jealous. You worked hard to earn that award, and you deserved it."
Annie, finishing up the braid, nodded in agreement. "Exactly. And just because someone feels that way doesn't mean you should let it get to you. Sometimes people say things out of envy or hurt, but that doesn't define who you are."
Mia wiped a tear from her cheek. "I guess... I just thought she’d always be on my side. I never imagined she'd turn against me like this."
Rose gently handed the paper back to Mia. "Remember, Mia, it's okay to feel hurt, but you also need to remember your worth. You’re a great ninja, and you have us. We care about you, and we know how much you’ve given for the team."
Mia took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of her friends’ support. "Thanks, guys. I just needed to hear that. I know I shouldn’t let her words affect me, but it’s hard."
Emma gave her a reassuring smile. "It’s okay to feel that way. We all go through tough times. But you’re not alone. We’re here for you."
Mia nodded, feeling a bit lighter. "Thanks. I appreciate it. It means a lot to have friends like you."
Annie hugged Mia from behind, still holding her braided hair. "Anytime, Mia. We’ve got your back, always."
*******
" Again?" Mia said angrily as she pried the paper out of Emma's hands.
" This can not keep happening." Annie growled.
" Hey. Getting angry and attacking is my job, An. Yours is to be prepared."
Rose sighed and took the paper from Mia's hands. " Emma, you are the best artist I know! You can't just let one person be the judge of that!"
Emma grabbed one of her paintings and threw it on the floor. Annie lunged and grabbed it just in time.
" Emma, you're angry. But don't let that control you!" Mia said, walking next to Emma.
