Manipulated Strings

During a classroom break, Sara and Rose chat animatedly while Sofia listens quietly.

Sara asked, “Rose, what did your parents get you for your birthday?”

Rose’s eyes sparkled as she replied, “A Lenovo laptop!”

Sara’s face lit up. “That’s awesome! What color?”

“Grey,” Rose said, beaming.

“No way! Mine’s grey too!” Sara exclaimed.

Sofia, overhearing, snapped, “You’re always showing off!” She stood abruptly and moved to another bench.

Rose, looking distressed, said, “Sofia, wait! I’m sorry if I—”

Sara interjected, “Sorry for what? For being happy?”

Sofia’s irritation was palpable. “She’s upset because of me,” Rose said, moving to sit next to Sofia.

“Please, talk to me,” Rose pleaded.

Sofia turned coldly. “Only if you do one thing.” She glared at Sara. “You need to leave.”

Sara rolled her eyes and walked back to her seat.

“What’s the condition?” Rose asked.

“You’ll do all my assignments and the math project,” Sofia said.

Rose, nodding, agreed, “Fine. Can we sit together now?”

Sofia smirked, satisfied with her manipulation.

The next day, Sara arrived early and greeted Rose with a smile. “Let me carry your bag.”

“Thanks! How was your day yesterday?” Rose asked.

“It was incredible. I can’t wait to tell you about it!” Sara replied enthusiastically.

“Your excitement says it all!” Rose said, her face lighting up.

As they chatted, Sofia entered the classroom and saw Rose and Sara laughing. Annoyed, she threw her bag on a bench and approached them.

“Rose!” Sofia snapped.

Rose, engaged in conversation with Sara, didn’t immediately respond.

“Sofia!” Sofia called out, her frustration growing.

Sara sighed and said, “It’s alright. We can talk later.”

Rose turned to Sofia, “What’s wrong?”

Sofia, feigning disinterest, said, “Nothing. I’m sorry for interrupting your important chat.” She stormed out.

Sara grabbed Rose’s hand. “Don’t follow her. Respect yourself. You don’t need to keep apologizing.”

“But—” Rose started.

Sara gently insisted, “Some people only take and never give. You don’t owe them anything.”

Sofia reentered the room with the teacher, beginning the lesson. After class, Sofia approached Rose.

“Where’s my project?” Sofia demanded.

Rose handed it over. “Here.”

Sofia inspected it and sneered, “This looks like a joke. Julia could have done better.”

Rose, disheartened, said, “I really tried—”

Sofia cut her off, “Trash!” She tore the project in half and walked away.

Sara, noticing Rose’s exhaustion, asked, “What time did you sleep last night?”

Rose hesitated. “I don’t remember.”

“When was the last time you checked the clock?” Sara pressed.

“Around 3 AM,” Rose admitted.

Sara observed, “Your tired eyes tell the story.”

The next day, Rose sat alone, weighed down by regret. Sara joined her.

“You don’t need to feel guilty,” Sara said comfortingly. “None of this is your fault.”

Rose sighed, “But I—”

Sara reassured her, “You’ve done more than enough. Sofia’s actions reflect her, not you. You’ve been kind and it’s not a mistake.”

Rose nodded, “Maybe you’re right.”

Sara gently encouraged, “You’re an amazing friend. Don’t let anyone make you