Sophie opened her eyes surprised for a moment, then relieved. She nodded with a sad smile. —Yes, I'd like that.
As we left the classroom together, I felt hope growing in my chest. It wasn't going to be easy to change the way others saw me, the way I saw myself, it was going to be a challenge. But for the first time in a long time, I felt ready to face it.
We sat at a cafeteria table, looking at each other in silence for a moment. There was so much to say, so many emotions to process, that neither of us knew where to start.
Finally, I took the initiative. —Sophie, I want you to know that I understand why you said what you said. I don't agree with it, it hurt me deeply, but I understand it came from a place of frustration.
Sophie lowered her gaze, her eyes fixed on her untouched food tray. —I'm so sorry, Ana —she said, with trembling lips—. I shouldn't have said those things. It's just that... sometimes it's so hard being next to you. You're so brilliant, so talented in everything you do. It makes me feel... insignificant.
—Sophie, look at me —I said, waiting until she looked up—. You are not insignificant. You've never been and you'll never be. You're my best friend for a reason. You're kind, loyal, creative in a way that I could never be. Your way of seeing the world, your compassion, your sense of humor... all those things make you special.
Sophie blinked, surprised by my words. —But... but you're a genius. You can do anything.
I shook my head, —No, I can't. There are many things you can do that I can't. Remember that time I was so frustrated because I couldn't draw? You taught me with so much patience. Or when I felt lonely and scared on my first day of school, it was you who approached me and offered me your friendship.
A small smile appeared on Sophie's face at those memories. —You see, I've been thinking a lot about this. Yes, I'm good at studies and solving problems. But that's just one part of who I am. And it's definitely not all that matters in life.
It's time for both of us to see beyond the labels we had put on ourselves.
Sophie nodded slowly, beginning to understand. —I guess you're right. It's just that... sometimes it's hard not to compare yourself, you know?
—I know —I said with an understanding smile—. But what if instead of comparing ourselves, we complement each other? You have strengths that I don't have, and I have mine. Together, we can be an amazing team.
Sophie's eyes lit up at the idea. —Like a super duo?
I laughed, feeling how the tension between us slowly dissipated. —Exactly like a super duo. You can be the creative artist and I'll be the brain. Together, we'll be unstoppable!
We both laughed, and I felt as if a weight lifted from my shoulders. Not everything was resolved, I knew it would take time to completely heal this wound. But it was a start. This felt good, right. As if we were finally being honest with each other.
—Ana —said Sophie after a moment—, do you think you could... help me a bit with studies? Not to be like you, but to improve in my own way.
I smiled widely. —Of course. And maybe you could teach me more about art. I've always wanted to learn to draw better.
—Deal! —exclaimed Sophie, extending her hand.
I took it, sealing our new agreement. The rest of the school day passed in the blink of an eye. When the final bell rang, I felt as if I had lived a whole lifetime in a single day.
I had faced my fears, was repairing a friendship, and taken the first steps toward something new.
As I walked home, I thought about Arceus and smiled. My younger brother had been right. Being different wasn't something to be ashamed of, it was something to celebrate, something to share with the world. And as the afternoon sun bathed the streets in a warm golden glow, I felt that life was like driving a carriage.
I must drive with skill and attention, without stepping on the accelerator fully in moments of darkness and storm, because I could suffer a fatal accident. In difficult moments, I need to brake a little to dodge obstacles.
Emotions were reflected in my internal radar, making me slow down and analyze the path. That's why emotions are good. Even the ones that seem bad. Fear allows me to detect danger and flee from it. It's the most useful defense mechanism. When I feel fear, I brake, calculate the safest step and accelerate again, avoiding unnecessary risks.
Guilt can also be good, I reflected. It leads me to recognize my mistakes and change direction to not make mistakes again. The sensation of ignorance induces me to study and grow. Pride leads me to love myself and defend my rights. Anger makes me rebel against things that are wrong and fight for good. Emotions are useful. I won't try to repress them.
I'll cry if I'm sad, laugh if I'm happy, stay quiet if I'm nostalgic, vent if I'm angry. There's nothing worse than an insensitive person, with a robot mind, oil blood, and a heart of stone. Thoughts must be polished, feelings, felt, I reminded myself. They are signals for braking and reaction, they can save my life.
Similarly, I must maintain emotional control and avoid extremes: not stopping completely motivated by emotions. One who stops their carriage completely stops progressing, maturing, enjoying life, and begins to go crazy, as they remain trapped within a closed space, and emotions (which were useful), become prison chains.
As I walked home, with a smile on my face and a skip in my step, I couldn't wait to see what adventures awaited me on the path.