Once upon a time in a small town, there lived two best friends, Masha and Dasha. They lived in the same neighbourhood, and their flat windows faced each other. They spent most of their time together, as they studied at the same school, in the same class, and sat at the same desk, of course.
The lessons 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:
Mum is at work today and asked me to go to the shop after school for groceries. Could we go together? We could have a walk as well.
I'm happy to.
Dasha answered confidently.
Well 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 respective 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 wonderful aroma is coming from the kitchen, even out in the hallway! 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 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 bring herself to do anything. 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.
Sleepy Dasha replied.
Then take your phone and let her know that you can't make it today. It's not right to treat your best friend like this. You're being irresponsible.
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? If your plans change and you can't keep your word, you must let her know, explain, and most importantly, 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.
Her older sister said firmly.
If you're a true friend, then your word should be worth a lot too. 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 out into the courtyard. I sat on a bench and waited for her. It seemed to me that 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 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 apologise.
At that moment, I realised 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 for a moment, then asked:
What should I do? Call her or run?
Get ready quickly; you still have a few minutes. You'll make it, and I'll help you with your homework afterwards.
Dasha rushed about the flat, and within a couple of minutes she was ready to leave.
At the door, she hugged her older sister tightly and said proudly:
Thank you for the advice!
Fastening 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 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 too!
Masha answered confidently and proudly.
Hand in hand, they walked down the avenue…
