Once upon a time, in a small town, there lived two best friends named Masha and Dasha. They lived in the same neighborhood, and their apartment windows faced each other. They spent most of their time together, studying at the same school, in the same class, and sitting at the same desk.
Classes ended, and the girls headed home. They laughed and discussed their homework.
As they approached the place where they usually parted ways to go to their respective homes, Masha said:
Mom is at work today and asked me to go to the store after school for groceries. Could we go together? We could take a walk too.
I'm fine with that.
Dasha answered confidently.
Well then, I'll wait for you at our usual spot at 4 o'clock.
The friends hugged, waved goodbye, and went their separate ways home.
Dasha's older sister opened the door for her; she was cooking in the kitchen.
Dasha changed clothes, washed her hands, and said:
Masha asked me to go with her to the store for groceries, so feed me something delicious—what an amazing smell is coming from the kitchen! I need to finish my homework by four o'clock.
However, the warm meal and fatigue took their toll. The girl felt drowsy, her eyes growing heavy. She decided to lie down for a bit and rest, thinking there was still plenty of time before their meeting. After sleeping for more than an hour, she woke up yawning and couldn't motivate herself to act. The clock showed a quarter to four. Overcoming her reluctance, Dasha opened her notebook and started doing her homework.
Weren't you supposed to help Masha go to the store for groceries and take a walk together?
Her older sister reminded her.
My plans changed. I need to do my homework. She can go by herself.
The sleepy Dasha replied.
Then take your phone and let her know you can't make it today. It's not right to treat your best friend this way. You're being irresponsible.
Oh, come on.
The girl waved her hand dismissively.
She can wait a bit and go alone. Nothing bad will happen.
But she's counting on you and will be waiting! How can you do this? If your plans change and you can't keep your word, you must let her know, explain, and definitely apologize!
Does it really matter? I didn't swear an oath. I just said I could go with her.
Dasha protested, not understanding.
Now listen to me.
Her older sister said firmly.
If you're a true friend, then your word should be valuable too. Simple words you speak should be sincere and genuine, not false. Empty words, meaningless words, are spoken by empty people. Let me tell you a story from my own life, about my school friend.
When I was about your age, I was friends with a girl. We were inseparable. We went to school together and came home together, sitting at the same desk. When we saw an advertisement about the circus coming to our town, we decided we absolutely had to go to the show together.
All dressed up, I went outside. I sat on a bench and waited for her. It seemed like I waited for a very long time, but she didn't appear.
So I decided to go up to her apartment to find out what was wrong. When I rang the doorbell, my heart was pounding. Her mother opened the door and said that her daughter had gone with another classmate.
I walked down the stairs with tears streaming down my face. Can you imagine? She left without even telling me. My mood was ruined, and I cried all evening.
The next day, she didn't even bother to apologize.
At that moment, I realized there's no point in being true friends with someone whose words mean nothing. You don't want to lose your best friend just because you don't have free time, do you?
After listening to her sister's story, Dasha sat thoughtfully, then asked:
What should I do? Call her or run?
Get ready quickly. You still have a couple of minutes and can make it. I'll help you with your homework later.
Dasha rushed around the apartment and was ready to leave within a couple of minutes.
At the door, she hugged her older sister tightly and said proudly:
Thank you for the advice!
Buttoning her jacket as she ran, Dasha hurried to meet Masha.
Smiling at each other, the friends slowly walked toward the store.
Sorry I'm a little late! You probably thought I wouldn't come?
No, I knew you would come. You wouldn't let me down. You're my dearest friend. And the words of a dear person are worth a lot!
Masha answered confidently and with pride.
Hand in hand, they walked down the avenue…
