It had been several weeks since Flora's emotional breakdown in the garden with Helia, and in many ways, the quiet night they shared had marked the beginning of a significant shift. Flora was still struggling, but she was learning to take things one day at a time. She had accepted that she couldn't do everything alone. It wasn't easy—Flora had always been the caretaker, the one who made sure everyone else was okay—but she was starting to realize that leaning on others didn't make her weak.In fact, it made her stronger.---That morning, Flora woke up feeling unusually tired. The exhaustion she had been battling for months was beginning to take its toll on her body and mind. She shuffled out of bed, rubbing her eyes, but when she tried to stand, her legs felt unsteady, like they couldn't fully support her. Her heart raced for a moment, but she steadied herself against the wall.The moment was brief, but it was a reminder: Flora wasn't in control the way she once had been.She slowly walked to the bathroom, but the effort of simply brushing her hair felt overwhelming. Flora paused in front of the mirror, studying her reflection. A wave of frustration and self-doubt crashed over her.*Why can't I do this anymore?*A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts."Flora? You okay?" It was Bloom's voice, gentle and full of concern.Flora hesitated before answering. She didn't want to burden anyone with her struggles, but lately, she found it harder and harder to keep up the facade. "I'm fine, Bloom. Just a little tired."There was a pause before Bloom spoke again, her voice tinged with suspicion. "Flora, you know you can talk to me, right? You don't have to hide anything from me."Flora's throat tightened, and she felt the familiar lump of guilt settle in her chest. Bloom had been so understanding lately, yet Flora still felt like she was a burden."I don't want to make everyone worried," she finally confessed, her voice quiet. "I feel so weak, Bloom. I can't even take care of myself anymore. I can't do anything by myself."Bloom's response was immediate, warm, and nonjudgmental. "Flora, it's okay to need help. You've been through so much. No one expects you to do everything on your own. Let us help you."Flora stood still for a moment, letting Bloom's words wash over her. The idea of asking for help, of depending on others completely, felt foreign. But there was something comforting about the idea, too. She didn't have to be the strong one all the time. She didn't have to hide behind the walls she had built up."Okay," Flora whispered, her voice trembling. "I... I don't know how to do this, but I think I need help."Bloom's voice was filled with compassion. "We're here for you, Flora. You don't have to do this alone. We're your family."Flora's heart swelled, the tears that had been building finally coming to the surface. "Thank you, Bloom," she said, her voice breaking. "I don't know what I'd do without you."---Later that day, Flora joined her friends in the living room, still feeling emotionally drained but also relieved that she had spoken up. She wasn't sure what the next steps in her journey would be, but for the first time, she didn't feel like she had to figure everything out alone. The Winx were there for her, ready to support her in whatever way she needed.It was an overwhelming realization—but also a deeply freeing one.Flora sat beside Bloom on the couch, and soon, Stella, Tecna, and Layla joined them. They chatted casually, but there was a new warmth in the air—an unspoken understanding that Flora was no longer alone in her struggles.Helia, ever sensitive to Flora's needs, walked into the room with a warm smile, his eyes immediately finding hers. "Hey, Flora. How are you doing today?"Flora gave him a small smile. "Better, I think. I'm... I'm trying to be okay."He nodded, sitting down beside her. "You don't have to try to be okay all the time, you know. It's okay to let yourself feel what you're feeling."Flora glanced up at him, feeling a sense of safety in his presence. It was in these quiet moments, surrounded by the people who cared for her, that she felt the most at peace.---Over the following days, Flora allowed herself to depend on her friends more than ever before. It wasn't easy for her—each time she asked for help, she felt a pang of guilt—but she quickly learned that no one saw her as weak. They saw her as a person who was going through something difficult, and that was okay.She needed help with the simplest tasks. Sometimes, her hands shook too much to hold a cup of tea, and Bloom would gently place the cup in her hands. Other times, she found it hard to focus long enough to read, and Tecna would help her organize her thoughts. The others helped with her meals, offering to cook for her when she didn't have the energy, and Stella would often distract her with lighthearted stories or games to take her mind off things.Flora felt a deep sense of gratitude, though the discomfort of being so dependent on others lingered in the back of her mind. There were moments when she wanted to retreat, to be the strong, independent Flora again. But every time she felt that urge, one of her friends would offer support, showing her that it was okay to let go, even if just for a little while.---One evening, after dinner, Helia and Flora took a walk through the garden. Flora was quiet, taking in the peace around them, the soft rustling of the leaves, the scent of flowers lingering in the air. Helia walked beside her, his presence always comforting."How's it been going?" he asked, his voice soft but filled with concern.Flora sighed, looking up at the sky. "It's been hard. I still feel... lost, sometimes. I feel like I'm just... going through the motions, you know? But when I look around, and I see everyone helping me, it doesn't feel as scary. It feels... safe."Helia nodded, his hand gently brushing hers. "You're not alone, Flora. You're never alone. You don't have to do everything by yourself. And the people who love you are here to help."Flora smiled, feeling a sense of warmth spread through her. It wasn't about being perfect anymore. It was about being real, about allowing herself to lean on the people who cared for her."I guess I've been afraid of being a burden," Flora admitted. "I've always been the one who takes care of others, and now I feel like I can't even take care of myself. But I'm learning that... it's okay to let go."Helia smiled, his eyes filled with understanding. "You don't have to be the strong one all the time, Flora. You're allowed to take a break. You're allowed to feel like you need help. And we're all here for you."Flora nodded, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time. "Thank you, Helia. Thank you for being here with me."Helia's smile softened, and he gently took her hand in his. "Always, Flora. I'll always be here."---
