The days following Flora's loss of control had been both emotionally challenging and surprisingly healing. She was still struggling with the idea of needing help—something that went against everything she had once believed about herself. But with each passing day, she found herself opening up a little more to her friends. The walls she had built around herself had started to crumble, and in the quiet moments of vulnerability, she realized something: asking for help didn't make her weak, and embracing her own needs didn't diminish her strength.After the incident with her bladder, Flora began to notice something else happening to her as well. In moments of overwhelming emotional pressure, she felt herself slipping into a space where she no longer needed to act strong. It was a feeling of regression, a retreat to a time when things had been simpler and she could just be cared for without the responsibility of the world weighing on her shoulders.It wasn't something she could easily explain, and the idea of sharing it with her friends seemed daunting. But as the days went on, Flora found herself growing more and more comfortable with the idea of asking for help. Eventually, she realized that she couldn't keep this part of herself hidden forever. If she wanted to fully heal, she would have to let her friends in, completely—vulnerabilities, insecurities, and all.One afternoon, after spending some time with Bloom, Tecna, and Layla in the garden, Flora decided it was time. They had been talking casually, but Flora felt a deep sense of peace. She was beginning to feel a little less like a burden and more like herself again."Girls," Flora began softly, her voice quiet but firm. She looked down at her hands, gathering her thoughts. "I've been thinking a lot about... well, about something that's hard for me to talk about."The others immediately noticed the shift in her tone, their attention focusing entirely on Flora."Flora, you can tell us anything," Bloom said, her voice warm and reassuring. "You know that, right?"Flora nodded, though her heart pounded in her chest. She hadn't planned on talking about this part of herself—this hidden side that she had kept locked away for so long. But she knew it was time to share it."I've been slipping into what... what I guess you could call a 'little space,'" Flora said, her voice shaky but determined. "It's something I've never really talked about, but it's been happening more lately. It's like, when I get overwhelmed, or when everything feels too much, I kind of... revert to this place where I don't have to be strong anymore. I don't have to take care of everything. It's like I just need to be cared for."There was a long pause as her friends took in what Flora had said. The air around them seemed to still, each of the Winx processing this new, intimate part of their friend's experience."Flora," Layla said gently, "that's okay. It's okay to need space like that. You don't have to always be the strong one. We're here for you, no matter what."Tecna nodded. "I think we've all been through moments where we need to lean on others. It doesn't make you weak. It just makes you human."Flora's eyes filled with tears as the weight of her words and their understanding hit her all at once. It felt like a heavy burden was lifting off her chest. "Thank you," she whispered. "I was so afraid you'd think I was... broken. I don't want to be a burden. I just—sometimes, I just want to feel safe.""You're not broken, Flora," Bloom said, her voice gentle and kind. "You're not a burden. You're a beautiful, strong person. And if this is what helps you feel safe, then we'll support you. Whatever you need, we'll be here."The girls gathered around Flora, enveloping her in a warm, supportive hug. Flora's tears flowed freely now, but they weren't tears of shame. They were tears of relief—relief that she didn't have to hide this part of herself anymore, and that she could rely on her friends to help her through it.---That evening, after their conversation, Flora found herself feeling more vulnerable than ever before. She wasn't sure why, but the need to slip into her little space felt stronger now. The world around her had become a bit too much, and she just wanted to curl up somewhere safe and let go of all the responsibilities she had been carrying.She hadn't yet asked her friends about this, but as she wandered into her room, she instinctively pulled out the small stuffed animal she had kept hidden for a while—a soft plush bunny, worn from years of use. Flora sat on her bed, clutching the bunny tightly in her arms. It wasn't a conscious decision, but she felt a deep sense of peace as she held the stuffed animal close to her chest. The familiar softness reminded her of simpler days—days when she could let go of the pressure and just be.She didn't notice the door open slightly or Bloom's soft knock before entering. But when Bloom saw Flora sitting there, a soft smile spread across her face. It was clear that Flora was slipping into her little space, needing that moment of comfort."Do you need anything, Flora?" Bloom asked gently, her tone understanding.Flora looked up at her, a bit embarrassed, but her voice was quiet. "I don't want to be a burden, but... sometimes, I just need this. I just need something familiar, something that makes me feel safe."Bloom nodded, her smile never faltering. "I understand, Flora. You don't have to explain it. We're here for you, whether you need comfort, help, or just someone to be there."Flora's eyes filled with gratitude, and she felt a small weight lifting from her chest. "Thank you, Bloom. I didn't know how to explain it, but... I'm so glad you're here."Bloom moved closer, sitting beside Flora on the bed. "You're not alone, Flora. Whenever you need space, or help, or even just to talk, we'll be here for you."Flora relaxed, leaning against Bloom as she clutched her stuffed bunny tightly. The warmth of her friends' support enveloped her like a soft blanket, and for the first time in a long time, Flora felt that it was okay to not have all the answers. It was okay to need comfort, and it was okay to let herself fall into that little space when things became too overwhelming.---Later that night, as Flora curled up in bed, she reflected on how much her life had changed. She was learning to let go of the guilt she had always carried, the belief that she needed to be perfect, strong, and always in control. With each day, Flora realized that allowing herself to be vulnerable—whether by slipping into a little space or simply asking for help—was a part of her healing.As she drifted off to sleep, still holding the plush bunny close to her chest, Flora felt a sense of peace. For the first time in a long while, she felt truly safe. Safe in the knowledge that she was loved, accepted, and cared for, just as she was.---
