Flora had always prided herself on being the strong one, the one who cared for others without ever asking for anything in return. But now, for the first time in her life, she was starting to realize that she couldn't always be the one giving. She needed support. She needed reassurance. And though she had begun asking for small forms of help—like allowing her friends to assist her with getting ready for bed—there were still moments when her emotions felt too big to handle alone.It wasn't that Flora felt incapable. It was more that she longed for the comfort of being cared for, without the pressure of needing to be the "strong one" for everyone else. For once, she wanted to feel like she could let go, let others take care of her, and allow herself to be vulnerable without fear of judgment.It was a Thursday afternoon when Flora found herself sitting at the table in the Alfea kitchen, watching the others prepare lunch. She'd been feeling particularly overwhelmed in the last few days—her emotions were raw, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake the feeling that something inside her was missing. As the others chopped vegetables and prepared sandwiches, Flora quietly fidgeted with the corner of a napkin, staring at the food without truly seeing it.Bloom was the first to notice. Her eyes softened as she approached Flora. "Flora, are you feeling okay?" she asked gently.Flora blinked, almost startled by the question. She hadn't realized how distant she had become. "I'm... I'm fine," Flora answered quietly, but her voice lacked its usual strength. "Just... tired."Bloom studied her for a moment, then sat down next to her. "You've been working really hard lately, Flora. You don't have to do everything on your own. You know that, right?"Flora nodded, but her throat tightened. She didn't want to burden anyone, but the weight of everything—of the fears she had been carrying—felt heavier than she could handle alone. "I guess... I guess I've just been feeling like I need... more."Bloom tilted her head, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "More of what?"Flora hesitated, unsure of how to express what she was feeling. The words felt strange on her tongue, but she couldn't ignore the overwhelming need for comfort. "More care," she whispered. "I know it sounds silly, but I just... I want to be taken care of. Just for a little while. I feel like everything's getting harder, and I just need someone to... help me. Not just with big things, but with little things too."Bloom's heart ached for her friend. She could see how vulnerable Flora was in that moment, and she understood that this wasn't about Flora being weak—it was about her allowing herself to be supported in a way she had never done before."It's not silly at all, Flora," Bloom said, her voice warm and reassuring. "You don't have to do everything yourself. You've been so strong for everyone else, but it's okay to ask for help. It's okay to let us care for you, too."Flora's eyes filled with tears, and she bit her lip to hold them back. "I'm sorry. I don't want to be a burden.""You're not a burden, Flora," Bloom said firmly. "You never are."Flora smiled faintly, grateful for Bloom's understanding. She had always been the one to take care of others—nurturing them with her love and kindness—but now, for the first time, she was learning that it was okay to let others care for her, too.---Later that evening, as the group settled in for dinner, Flora found herself feeling a little bit more at ease. Bloom had helped her prepare a simple meal, and although she could have done it herself, there was something soothing about having Bloom by her side, quietly assisting her with the small tasks. It wasn't about weakness—it was about allowing herself to relax and trust that it was okay to be cared for.As the group sat down to eat, Flora's mind wandered back to earlier that day. She had asked for help, and Bloom had given it to her without hesitation. But now, she realized she wanted more. Not because she was incapable, but because she wanted the comfort of knowing that her friends were there for her, in every way. She wanted to feel safe, and loved, and cherished—like she wasn't alone in her struggles.When dinner was finished, and the conversation turned light and easy, Flora's thoughts became clearer. She turned to Layla, who had been sitting beside her, and spoke softly."Layla, do you think... maybe... could you help me with something else?" Flora asked, her voice hesitant but genuine.Layla smiled at her with understanding. "Of course, Flora. What do you need?"Flora paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. "I don't know how to explain it, but... could you help me with... getting ready for bed tonight? Like, just making sure everything's okay."Layla's smile didn't falter. "Absolutely. Whatever you need, Flora. We'll make sure you feel safe and comfortable."Flora's chest tightened with emotion, but she felt a sense of relief wash over her. It wasn't about being incapable—it was about allowing herself to lean on her friends, to let them take care of her in a way that she hadn't allowed before.---That night, Layla helped Flora change into her sleepwear, fluffing her pillow and making sure her room was comfortable. As she tucked Flora into bed, she could see how much Flora was trying to let go of her need for control. She wasn't asking for help because she couldn't do things herself—but because, in this moment, she wanted to feel safe. She wanted to feel that her friends would catch her if she fell."Goodnight, Flora," Layla said softly, brushing a strand of hair from Flora's face.Flora smiled up at her, feeling a sense of peace she hadn't known in a long time. "Goodnight, Layla. Thank you for being here."Layla kissed her forehead gently. "Always, Flora. We're always here."---The days that followed saw Flora becoming more comfortable with asking for help. It wasn't about becoming entirely dependent—it was about recognizing that she didn't have to do everything alone. The Winx girls didn't see her as weak for needing help; they saw her as strong for having the courage to be vulnerable and allow herself to receive care.Flora was learning that it wasn't about being perfect or having everything figured out. It was about trust—trusting her friends, trusting that they would be there to support her, and trusting that it was okay to lean on others when the weight of the world felt too heavy.With each passing day, Flora felt herself growing stronger in ways she hadn't expected. She was learning to take care of herself emotionally, to ask for help when she needed it, and to trust that she was never alone on this journey.---
