Dawn's simple longing as a child, that longing to have a friend, was realized the day she met Alex. Alex was unlike any girl Dawn had ever met and right off the two struck up a friendship – which was odd for Dawn who had never been able to make friends swiftly. A year passed and every day the girls grew closer until Dawn was assured they would be friends forever – that was until the day their lives forever changed.
It was in the summer. Dawn went away for a week long camp and when she returned she noticed a change in Alex, though it was not a big one. She was unable to explain the change, she just knew it was there. Alex was more quiet, not that she talked any less, she just seemed more closed – like she was hiding something from Dawn. Dawn tried to ask her about it but she always laughingly said it was nothing and that she needn't worry.
Time passed and though Alex acted as if everything was all right, Dawn noticed the change in her growing. It was almost as if she daily grew more distant. Finally Dawn decided to confront her.
“Have I done something wrong?” Dawn asked one day as the two went for one of their now rare walks in the park.
“What makes you ask such a silly thing?” Alex asked with a toss of her head and a laugh.
“Well,” Dawn stammered and then murmured, “you hardly talk to me anymore.”
“We talk everyday,” Alex replied, rolling her eyes and grinning.
“But not like we used to,” Dawn murmured softly, “we used to tell each other everything but lately I don't even know what you have been doing or if you are going through anything hard – you seem so distant.”
“And why do I have to tell you everything I am struggling with?” Alex demanded, crossing her arms over her chest.
“You don't,” Dawn answered lowering her head, “but you are my friend and I have known something is wrong but I do not know how to help – and I want to.”
“Just like everyone else wants to help,” Alex snorted, “by sticking their noses into my life and demanding to know everything I am doing. So what if I don't tell you every little detail? It doesn't mean we aren't friends, Dawn!”
Dawn kept her eyes on the ground as she felt tears prick her eyes. “I know,” she murmured,
“I'm sorry – I did not mean to be nosy.”
Alex laughed, then slipped her arm through Dawn's. “Just forget about it – I am all right and everything is great! Don't worry about me.”
Dawn did not answer, because she knew she was worried about Alex.
Sometimes it is hard to know how to help a friend – especially if they say everything is all right even if you know something is wrong. Though your friend may not always open up to you right off it does not mean you should simply give up on them and think your friendship is over. Continue to be there for them, be the best friend you are able to be, pray for them, and do all you can to encourage and help them. Who knows, someday they may open up to you again and you will be able to help them with their struggle.
Now for some fun. What do you think Alex is hiding?
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