I thought about it for a moment. Part of me still wanted to hide, avoid facing my classmates and Sophie. But another part, a part that grew stronger with each second, wanted to go back and face my fears.

—I think, —I said slowly—, that I'm going to go back to school.

Arceus smiled and nodded. —Remember, Ana, never give up. Life is full of challenges, but it's those challenges that make us stronger.

I stood up, feeling renewed and determined. —You're right, Arceus. I can't change how others see me, but I can change how I see myself.

I leaned down and hugged my younger brother. —Thank you, Arceus. I don't know what I'd do without you.

Arceus returned the hug. —That's what brothers are for, right?

With one last smile at my brother, I turned around and began walking back to school.

As I walked, I reflected on the conversation with Arceus. It was strange how my younger brother, despite his young age, seemed to have a wisdom that went beyond his years. Maybe it was simply Arceus being Arceus.

The path back to school seemed different now. The same trees, the same houses, but somehow everything seemed brighter, full of possibilities. I realized that I had been so focused on how others saw me that I had forgotten to see myself.

Yes, I was different. I was a genius, a prodigy. But that wasn't all I was. I was also a sister, a daughter, a friend. I was someone who loved learning, who got excited with each new discovery. Someone who wanted to use their gifts to make the world a better place.

I couldn't change overnight how others saw me, but I could start showing them more of who I really was. Maybe I could organize study groups, help my classmates who were struggling. I could share my interest in learning in a way that inspired others instead of intimidating them.

And Sophie... I felt pain thinking about her. Her words had hurt me deeply, but I realized that she was probably hurting too. Maybe we both needed to talk, really talk, and understand each other.

Before I knew it, I was back in front of the school gates. For a moment, I hesitated. Fear and anxiety threatened to take over me again. With a deep breath, I straightened my shoulders and lifted my head. It was time to face my fears.

With determined steps, I crossed the school doors. The hallway was empty when I entered. Classes had already started, and the silence was almost oppressive.

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For a moment, I considered simply going to the principal's office and explaining my absence. It would be easier, less scary than facing my classmates.

But no, I told myself. I hadn't come here to take the easy way out. I had come to face my fears, to be brave.

With my heart beating strongly in my chest, I headed towards the classroom.

I stopped in front of the door, listening to the muffled voice of the teacher from inside. I took another deep breath, closed my eyes for a moment, and then knocked softly.

The sound of the teacher's voice stopped, and a moment later the door opened. The teacher, a middle-aged woman with glasses and a generally kind expression, looked at me with surprise. —Anastasia? Where have you been?

I felt all the class's eyes on me. I could feel the curiosity, surprise, and yes, even a bit of resentment in some of those looks. But instead of shrinking, as I would have done before, I stood tall and looked directly at the teacher.

—I'm sorry, Miss Johnson, —I said, my voice clear and cheerful—. I had... I had a personal problem that I needed to resolve. May I come in?

The teacher looked at me for a moment, as if trying to decipher something in my expression. Finally, she nodded and stepped aside.

—Of course, Anastasia. Take your seat.

I entered the classroom, aware of every pair of eyes following me. As I walked to my seat, my eyes met Sophie's. My friend was looking at me with a mixture of surprise and... was that guilt in her eyes?

I gave Sophie a small smile before sitting down. It wasn't a smile of forgiveness, not yet, but it was a promise of reconciliation.

The class continued, and I immersed myself in the lesson with bright and shining eyes. But this time, there was something different. Instead of just answering all the questions, I started doing something new. When the teacher asked a question and no one else raised their hand, I looked around, searching for someone who seemed to be struggling with the answer.

—Hey, Tim, —I whispered to a boy sitting near me who looked particularly confused—. Want to try answering? I think you know it.

Tim's eyes widened a bit and he pursed his lips, but then, hesitantly, raised his hand. When the teacher called on him, he gave a tentative but correct answer. The proud smile on his face made me feel warm inside.

As the class progressed, I continued with this new strategy. I encouraged others to answer, offered small hints and words of encouragement. And slowly, I noticed a change. The looks I received were no longer just of envy or resentment. There was curiosity there, and even a bit of gratitude. When the lunch bell rang, I took my time putting away my things.

I knew I had a difficult conversation ahead. While the other students left the classroom, Sophie stayed behind, hesitating near her desk.

Finally, when the classroom was almost empty, Sophie approached me.

—Ana, —she said with a pleading voice—, I... I'm so sorry. For what I said before. I shouldn't have...

The guilt, sadness, and remorse in her tearful eyes made my heart waver. But there was something else too. Fear, maybe. Fear of losing her best friend.

Sophie bit her lower lip and closed her eyes while waiting for my response. Was she waiting for my verdict?

Should I just forgive and forget everything? No, this is important. We need to talk about it. —Sophie, —I said, with a soft voice—, how about we have lunch together and... talk a bit?