She Was in the Wrong

Aliza and Amara shared a friendship so close that it seemed like two souls inhabiting one body. They studied in the same class, and many of their habits were similar. The only significant difference was their approach to studies. Aliza was diligent and hardworking, putting in her best effort in every subject. As a result, she consistently secured the top positions in her class. Amara, on the other hand, was not as focused on her studies. She would manage to pass her exams but never achieved any notable academic distinction.

Aliza belonged to a deeply honest and disciplined family. Her mother, a wise and experienced woman, had the remarkable ability to understand a person’s character simply by observing their words and behavior. She could easily tell if someone was honest, sincere in their faith, or trustworthy in general. Whenever Aliza spoke about Amara, her mother could sense that Amara often pried into personal matters and pressured Aliza to reveal information about her family. She quietly understood that Amara was not entirely trustworthy.

Though her mother wanted to warn her, she knew that Aliza would feel hurt if she openly criticized her best friend. Instead, she gently advised Aliza to keep personal matters private and never share details about their family with anyone—even her close friends. Aliza agreed in front of her mother, promising to be cautious, but when Amara insisted, Aliza often found herself reluctantly revealing information, believing it was harmless.

One day, Aliza and Amara had a disagreement over something trivial. Angered, Amara decided to take revenge. She went to every girl in the class and shared private details about Aliza’s family, things Aliza had trusted her with over time. Aliza was heartbroken. She couldn’t believe that her close friend had betrayed her trust in such a way.

Despite the shock, Aliza noticed something fortunate. Her classmates, understanding her genuine nature and kind heart, did not ridicule her. Instead, they scolded Amara for her betrayal. Aliza realized how lucky she was that her honesty and sincerity had protected her reputation. In that moment, she vividly remembered her mother’s advice—words she had previously ignored.

Grateful for the lesson, Aliza silently thanked God for saving her from embarrassment and for the wisdom to recognize true friends. Later, when Amara realized the extent of her mistake, she approached Aliza to apologize. Aliza forgave her, showing the maturity and generosity of her heart, but she understood that the friendship could never return to the same level of trust it once had. The bond had been altered forever.

Aliza recounted the entire incident to her mother and asked for forgiveness for not heeding her earlier advice. Her mother forgave her, and with a gentle smile, reminded her to be careful about whom she trusted in the future. She advised Aliza never to make the mistake of befriending people whose intentions were questionable.

This story carries an important message for all young readers: if your parents advise or warn you about something, listen to them. They have lived longer, seen more, and understand the behavior and intentions of people better than you might. Their guidance is meant for your well-being and protection. Sometimes, ignoring their advice can lead to unnecessary hurt or disappointment.

Aliza’s experience shows that wisdom, patience, and listening to experienced voices can help avoid mistakes. By valuing honesty, observing people carefully, and learning from parental guidance, one can protect themselves from betrayal, heartache, and disappointment. The incident also reminds us that forgiveness is a virtue, but some lessons once learned can never be undone.

In the end, Aliza grew stronger, wiser, and more cautious about trust. Her friendship with Amara served as a life lesson that she would never forget. Through this experience, she learned the importance of discernment, integrity, and the invaluable guidance of loving parents.

Moral: Always listen to your parents’ advice—they know the world better than you do, and their guidance is always for your own good. Learn to recognize trustworthy friends and understand that honesty and patience often protect you from harm.