Once upon a time in a small town, there lived two best friends, Masha and Dasha. They lived in the same neighbourhood, and their apartment windows faced each other. They spent most of their time together, as they attended the same school, were in the same class, and of course, sat at the same desk.
The lessons finished, and the girls headed home. They laughed and discussed their homework.
As they approached the spot where they usually parted ways to go to their own homes, Masha said:
Mum's at work today and asked me to go to the shop after school for groceries. Could we go together? We could have a walk at the same time.
I'm happy to.
Dasha replied confidently.
Right then, I'll wait for you at our usual spot at 4 o'clock.
The friends hugged, waved goodbye to each other, and went off to their own homes.
Dasha's older sister opened the door for her; she was cooking in the kitchen.
Dasha changed her clothes, went to wash her hands, and said:
Masha asked me to go with her to the shop for groceries, so feed me something delicious—what a lovely smell coming from the kitchen! I need to finish my homework by four o'clock.
However, the warm meal and tiredness took their toll, and the girl felt drowsy; her eyes began to close. She decided to lie down for a bit and rest, as there was still plenty of time before the 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 diary and started on her homework.
Weren't you supposed to help Masha go to the shop for groceries and have a walk together?
Her older sister reminded her.
My plans have changed; I need to do my homework. She can go on her own.
Replied a sleepy Dasha.
Then take your phone and let her know that you can't make it today. It's not nice to treat your best friend that way. You're being thoughtless.
Oh, come on.
The girl waved her hand dismissively.
She can wait a bit and go on her own. Nothing bad will happen.
But she's counting on you and will be waiting! How can you do that? At the very least, if your plans change and you can't keep your word, you need to let her know, explain, and definitely apologise!
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.
Said her older sister firmly.
If you're a true friend, then your word should be worth something too. Simple words you say should be sincere and genuine, not false. Empty words that mean nothing 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, and sat at the same desk. When we saw an advertisement for the circus coming to our town, we decided we absolutely had to go to the show together.
I got dressed up and went out into the courtyard. I sat on a bench and waited for her. It seemed like I waited for her for a very long time, but she didn't appear.
So I decided to go up to her flat and find out what was going on. When I rang the bell, my heart was pounding. Her mum opened the door and told me that her daughter had gone with another classmate.
I walked down the stairs with tears streaming down my face. Can you imagine? She went without telling me. My mood was ruined, and I cried all evening.
The next day, she didn't even bother to apologise.
At that moment, I realised there was no point in being 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 for a moment, then asked:
What should I do? Ring her or run?
Get ready quickly; you've still got a couple of minutes. You'll make it, and I'll help you with your homework afterwards.
Dasha rushed around the flat, and within a couple of minutes, she was ready to leave.
At the door, she gave her older sister a tight hug and said proudly:
Thank you for the advice!
Fastening her jacket as she went, Dasha ran to meet Masha.
Smiling at each other, the friends walked slowly towards the shop.
Sorry I'm a bit 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 someone dear to you are worth a lot too!
Masha answered confidently and proudly.
Hand in hand, they walked down the path…
