Once upon a time, in a small town, there lived two best friends named 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.
Classes ended, and the girls headed home. They laughed and discussed their homework assignments.
As they approached the spot where they usually parted ways to go to their respective homes, Masha said:
Mum is at work today and asked me to go to the shop after school for groceries. Could we go together? We could take a walk at the same time.
I'm happy to.
Dasha answered confidently.
Well then, I'll expect you at 4 o'clock at our usual spot.
The friends hugged, waved goodbye to each other, and went their separate ways home.
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 wonderful smell is coming from the kitchen! I need to finish my homework by four o'clock.
However, the warm meal and tiredness took their toll. The girl felt drowsy, her eyes were closing. She decided to lie down for a bit and rest, as 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 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 take a walk together?
Her older sister reminded her.
My plans have changed. I need to do my homework. She can go by herself.
Replied the sleepy Dasha.
Then take the 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 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 that? At the very least, 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.
Said her older sister firmly.
If you're a true friend, then the words you speak should also be valuable. Simple words spoken by you 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, and sat 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.
I got dressed up and 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 show up.
So I decided to go up to her apartment to find out what was wrong. My heart was pounding as I rang the doorbell. 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 left without even telling me. My mood was ruined, and I cried all evening.
The next day, she just shrugged her shoulders and didn't even bother to apologize.
At that moment, I realized that 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. There are still a couple of minutes left. You'll make it. I'll help you with your homework afterwards.
Dasha rushed around the flat, and within a couple of minutes, she was ready to go out.
At the door, she hugged her older sister tightly and said proudly:
Thank you for the advice!
Buttoning up her coat 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 wasn't coming?
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 also worth a lot!
Masha answered confidently and proudly.
Hand in hand, they walked down the path…
