The meaning of friendship

I awoke early in the morning. As I rolled over, I found Ari sitting at the desk, sobbing. My eyes adjusted to the light, and I grunted as I stood out of bed. My gaze softened. I walked over to her, wanting to place my hand on her back.

She slapped my hand away. “It’s my fault—it’s all my fault!” she cried, continuing to sob.

I gently pulled down her hood, revealing her long, soft hair. “What happened yesterday is not your fault,” I said quietly.

She shook her head and buried her face in her hands. “The dragon that attacked my village… the reason I almost got killed… all of it is because of me!”

I took a step back, confused. “None of what happened was your fault,” I told her.

She jumped out of the chair, nearly tipping it over, and looked at me with tear-filled eyes. “My broken soul… the pain… it’s what made the dragon. It’s what made the monster attack us.”

I pulled Ari into a hug, only now realizing how short she was—barely reaching my waist. I held her tightly.

“Ari, I don’t blame you for anything. I wanted to save you because I care.”

Ari had never been this open with me. She’d always been a mystery in the short time I’d known her, yet… I kind of liked this vulnerable side of her. Though I couldn’t say she fully trusted me yet—at least, that’s how it felt.

Her arms began to relax. I felt her head slowly lean into me even more. She whispered something.

“Riven… I don’t want to be alone again.”

Alone? Had she always been alone? I chose not to reply.

She slowly pushed away from me, her head lowered. She walked past me, then quickly turned around, smiling.

“Well, I guess we better get going.”

For a second, I was awestruck. The glint in her eyes and the smile on her face—I had never seen an expression like that from her before. It filled me with joy.

“Yeah, let’s get going,” I said, smiling back.

We walked out the front door of the inn. The streets were busy—people talking, merchants trading. The village was alive again. I guess I really can make a difference, even if it’s a small one.

Ari pulled a piece of paper from her bag. I peeked over her shoulder—it was a map.

She sighed. “Still about a week of travel until we’re out of the forest… and about a week and a half until our next stop.”