Flora had always been someone who took care of herself, even when it meant pushing her emotions down and carrying the weight of her responsibilities alone. But now, for the first time in a long while, she was starting to understand that it was okay to need help. The process wasn't easy—asking for help had always felt like a sign of weakness to her—but with the support of her friends, Flora was learning that vulnerability was not something to fear.That morning, Flora woke up feeling a little off. Her body still ached from the stress of the past few weeks, and her mind was foggy. The emotional exhaustion of it all was starting to take a toll on her, and she found herself reaching out more than usual, looking for the comfort she hadn't allowed herself to need before.As Flora sat up in bed, she looked over at the soft toys on her nightstand and the blanket she had pulled tightly around herself the night before. The act of getting out of bed seemed like a daunting task. She wanted to stay wrapped up in her cocoon of comfort, but she knew she had responsibilities to face. It was a little too overwhelming, though.She stood up, swaying slightly, and made her way into the living room. Bloom was already there, sitting by the window, her gaze soft and contemplative. She had noticed Flora's quiet moments lately and had been giving her space to figure out what she needed. But today, she could see the weariness in Flora's eyes as she approached."Hey, Flora," Bloom greeted gently, noticing how Flora seemed to shrink in on herself. "How are you feeling today?"Flora paused before responding, looking down at her hands. "I don't know... I feel really tired," she said softly. "I... I was wondering if maybe I could ask for a little more help today."Bloom smiled warmly, a reassuring presence. "Of course, Flora. Whatever you need."Flora shifted uncomfortably. Her voice was small, and she felt a little embarrassed asking for something so intimate. "Could... could you help me with something a little... personal?" she asked, her words tinged with vulnerability. "Like, with... changing into fresh clothes, and—well—just helping me with things like that? I don't want to bother you, but I just feel like I need some care today."Bloom's expression softened, her heart swelling with compassion for her friend. She had seen Flora go through so much in the past, and now, to see her finally ask for help was a sign of how much she trusted the Winx girls."Flora, you're never a bother," Bloom reassured her, standing up and walking over. "If you need help, we're here for you. You don't have to do everything alone, okay? We're family."Flora nodded, a small tear slipping down her cheek. It was strange, feeling this small and vulnerable. But Bloom's words and her comforting presence helped to soothe the anxiety that had been swirling inside her."I just... don't want to be a burden," Flora whispered."You're not a burden," Bloom said firmly. "We love you, Flora. And when you need us, we'll always be there for you."---Later that day, as Flora rested on the couch, Stella and Layla joined her, their voices light and comforting. They had spent the morning sorting out plans for the upcoming mission, but Flora had been quiet, and they had all noticed the change in her behavior. She wasn't the energetic Flora they were used to. Today, she seemed drained.Flora lay back on the couch, her head resting on a soft pillow. "I'm sorry I'm being so needy today," she said, looking down at her hands in her lap."Flora," Stella said gently, "You're not being needy. You're being human. You've been carrying so much on your own for so long. It's okay to ask for help, especially from people who care about you.""I know," Flora said, sighing. "I just don't know what's wrong with me. Why do I feel like this?""You don't have to know exactly why," Layla added with a soft smile. "Sometimes we just need time to take care of ourselves, to let go of the pressure we put on ourselves. You don't have to have it all figured out."Flora gave a small nod, feeling her body relax a little as her friends gathered around her. Layla and Stella began talking about something unrelated to Flora's current feelings, but the way they spoke made Flora feel safe, like she was protected from the world outside. Even though she didn't need to explain everything, they understood that she needed comfort.---As the afternoon wore on, Flora found herself slowly opening up more, still hesitant, but less afraid to ask for what she needed. It was when she was about to get up from the couch to change into her pajamas that she felt another wave of exhaustion sweep over her. She paused, then turned to Layla, who had been sitting beside her the whole time."Layla, could... could you help me change?" Flora asked, her voice quiet but clear. "I just feel so... worn out today. I don't think I can manage it alone."Layla smiled warmly and nodded, not even for a second questioning Flora's request. "Of course, Flora. I've got you."With that, Flora allowed herself to trust her friend fully. Layla helped her change into something comfortable, gently guiding Flora's movements as she helped her with her clothes and tucked her into the bed for an afternoon nap. It wasn't about dependence—it was about trust and healing, knowing that in this moment, Flora could relax without worrying that she was asking for too much.As Layla finished, she looked down at Flora, her face soft with affection. "You're doing great, Flora," she said. "I know it's hard, but you're taking the right steps. We're all here for you."Flora's eyes closed as she let the weight of the day lift off her shoulders. "Thank you, Layla," she whispered.---That night, the girls gathered in the common room to unwind after the long day. Flora felt lighter, like a part of the burden had been lifted from her heart. It wasn't that she had become a completely different person, but she had allowed herself to be vulnerable in a way she never had before—and it felt like she was finally beginning to heal."Flora, you're amazing," Bloom said from across the room, noticing the smile on Flora's face as she joined them.Flora smiled back, feeling a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time. "Thank you, all of you. I know I've been asking for a lot lately, but I appreciate everything. You've made me realize that it's okay to lean on you. I don't have to do everything on my own.""We're family," Stella said, her tone filled with warmth. "And family sticks together, no matter what."Flora looked around at the smiling faces of her friends, and for the first time in weeks, she felt truly at ease. She had finally let herself accept the love and care that had always been there for her. It was a small step toward healing, but it was a step nonetheless.---
