Flora had always been the nurturing one, the one who took care of her friends, offering them comfort and guidance whenever they needed it. But lately, she had begun to realize something she hadn't before—sometimes, it was okay to need help. It was okay to lean on others, to let her friends take care of her when the burden of her emotions became too much to carry on her own. She had spent most of her life masking her vulnerabilities, but now, she was learning to open up and trust that her friends would be there to catch her.However, as much as Flora wanted to feel better, there were days when things felt too overwhelming. She had noticed recently that she had been having more trouble with simple tasks that used to come so easily—getting up in the morning, taking care of herself, and even staying in control of her emotions. There were days when she felt like she wasn't fully in control of her body, and it scared her.It started out small—a couple of accidents here and there—but over the past week, it had gotten worse. Flora had noticed it happening more frequently, and each time it did, she felt a growing sense of embarrassment and fear. She didn't want to let anyone see, but at the same time, she couldn't pretend it wasn't happening.One afternoon, after a particularly difficult morning where Flora had struggled with a simple task of making tea, she found herself sitting on the couch, hugging a pillow tightly to her chest. The others were busy in the kitchen, preparing for the next mission, but Flora couldn't shake the overwhelming feeling of self-doubt that had settled over her.Her friends had noticed that Flora wasn't herself lately. Her energy had been lower, and her usual bright smile seemed to be missing. It wasn't like her to retreat into herself, and they were all worried. They had all been patient, allowing her space to talk when she felt ready, but today, something felt different.Bloom was the first to approach her. She had been keeping an eye on Flora all day, noticing how her friend seemed lost in thought, as if trying to avoid something that was bothering her. She sat down beside Flora, her voice soft but concerned."Flora," Bloom began gently, "we've all noticed that you're not quite yourself. You've been quiet, and you seem... distracted. Is everything okay?"Flora looked up at Bloom, her heart heavy. She had been trying to hide it, but the anxiety and discomfort had become harder to conceal. Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke."I... I don't know what's happening, Bloom," Flora said softly, her eyes downcast. "I've been having more accidents lately, and I don't know how to stop it. It's like my body isn't listening to me anymore, and I don't know what to do."Bloom's heart sank as she realized the full extent of Flora's distress. She reached out to take Flora's hand, offering her friend a reassuring smile. "Flora, you're not alone in this. We're here for you, no matter what. We'll figure this out together."Flora's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she looked up at Bloom, her expression vulnerable. "I didn't want to bother anyone with something so... embarrassing. I don't want to be a burden."Bloom shook her head, her eyes filled with empathy. "Flora, you are never a burden. You're our friend, and we love you. We want to help you. It's okay to ask for help when you need it, and we'll be here for you every step of the way."Flora felt a rush of relief wash over her, but she still wasn't sure how to handle the situation. She felt so helpless, so unlike herself. The accidents, the way her body didn't seem to cooperate, left her feeling small and vulnerable."I... I don't want to be a child again," Flora whispered. "I just want to be myself. But it feels like I'm losing control of everything."Bloom squeezed her hand gently, offering her the comfort that only a true friend could provide. "You're not losing control, Flora. You're just going through something difficult, and it's okay to lean on us while you work through it. We don't expect you to do everything alone. We're here to support you."---Later that evening, Flora found herself in the same situation again. She had been resting on the couch, but as she stood up to go to the bathroom, she felt a sudden wave of discomfort wash over her. Her body, already exhausted from the emotional strain, wasn't able to keep up, and she realized with a growing sense of dread that she had had another accident.She froze for a moment, panic rising in her chest. She didn't want to tell anyone. She didn't want to admit it to herself. But the feeling of helplessness was overwhelming. Her mind raced as she struggled with what to do next.She quietly made her way back to the couch, but before she could sit down, Layla entered the room. Layla immediately noticed the change in Flora's posture, her discomfort and unease."Flora?" Layla asked, her voice gentle but alert. "What's going on? Are you okay?"Flora hesitated, her eyes welling up with tears. She didn't want to let anyone down, but the reality of her situation was impossible to ignore. "Layla," Flora whispered, "I... I need help. I don't know what's happening, but it's getting worse. I can't keep pretending it's not happening."Layla's expression softened with understanding. She stepped forward, placing a hand gently on Flora's shoulder. "Flora, it's okay. We're here for you, no matter what. Let us help you. You don't have to go through this alone."Flora's heart pounded in her chest as she allowed herself to lean on Layla, not just for physical help but for emotional support as well. She didn't want to admit how much she needed her friends, but in that moment, she realized that they had been there for her through everything—and they would continue to be there, no matter what.---The girls helped Flora change and get comfortable, making sure she had everything she needed to rest. Bloom, Layla, Stella, and Tecna gathered around her, offering comforting words and soft reassurances. They didn't make her feel embarrassed, nor did they treat her as though she was any less of a person. They treated her with the same respect, love, and understanding they always had, but now they could see the vulnerability she had been hiding."We'll help you with whatever you need, Flora," Bloom said softly. "You're not a burden. We want to make sure you feel safe, and we'll take care of you, just like you've always taken care of us."Flora smiled faintly, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. She had always been the one to care for others, to provide support. But now, she was learning to let her friends take care of her. It wasn't about weakness—it was about trust, about allowing herself to be loved in a way she had never allowed before.As she settled into bed, feeling both emotionally and physically drained, Flora closed her eyes and whispered a quiet "thank you" to her friends.They had shown her something she had never truly understood: that it was okay to let go. To lean on others. To accept care. And, most importantly, to trust that she was never alone.---
