Alina and Zehra were best friends and they studied in the same class. However, since the last few days, Alina noticed that Zehra was quite disturbed, not her usual talkative and cheerful self with a big smile on her face. Her changed attitude made Alina worried for her dear friend. It felt like something was troubling Zehra.

Alina tried to cheer up her friend in the class, but she would find Zehra, the chatterbox, not at all in her usual mood to even answer. Alina decided to find out what had taken away her friend’s smile. So at lunch break, when both girls sat together, Alina asked why Zehra was not in her usual mood and why she looked so unhappy?

Zehra initially refused to accept that something was troubling her. Alina convinced her by saying that she was her friend and if something was troubling Zahra, she should tell her instead of keeping it to herself.

Finally, Zehra confessed her problem. It was all due to a relay race competition she was so fond of. The competition was taking place next week in their school and contestants needed a partner to participate with. Sadly Zehra did not have any partner.

Zehra knew Alina didn’t like racing or any sport as such, so she had not bothered telling Alina about what was disturbing her. But now she took Alina to the huge poster of the relay race competition pasted on the notice board.

“So what is the big deal in it?” Alina asked. “Can’t you read you need a partner to participate with?”

“I want to participate in it because you know how much I love races, but unfortunately I can’t find a partner!” Zehra replied sadly.

“Calm down! You should have told me before. Why can’t I be your partner? ” asked Alina.

Zehra was shocked. She knew Alina didn’t like racing or sports in general. Before Zehra could think of something to say, Alina spoke up again.

“I know what you are thinking. But dear, you are my friend and of course I will be there to help you,” Alina said. At this, her friend was all smiles again.

Why can’t everyone understand that even the tiniest bit of help has the power to spread smiles!

Published in Dawn, Young World July 8th, 2017