Page 221 - The Life of A Teenage Girl (Stories About Finding Your Way)

SICK DAHLIA

I didn’t really mean that. Mara and her friends kind of pushed me
to the limit—if that even makes sense. But I knew they had little care

for me. Apart from my health problem, they really didn’t care.

“Great—oh, by the way, I’m sorry about the flower. I didn’t know
it was dangerous. My grandma told me she used to play with it all the

time when she was young, so I thought—”
“Mara, it’s okay. It didn’t really cause many problems, just a little

body heat. But apart from that, I’m okay.”
“Really? Great! Because I thought you’d be angry at me.”

“Maybe a little bit upset, but you’re my only first friend. I can’t be

angry at you.”
She chuckled. “Thanks. Um, I gotta go now—text you later.”

“Alright, bye.”
After that call, Mom called me downstairs for a “talk,” and I knew

it was going to be about the forest accident. When I sat at the dinner
table, Olivia came to me holding a bowl of chocolate chip cookies.

“What’s this for?” I asked.

“For you! You know, because your enzymes have been flaring up
since…”

I was really shocked at that point. Why would she think cookies

would solve this problem?
I turned to my parents and asked, “Mom, Dad, are you serious? Is

this how you’re gonna treat me now? How many times do I have to tell
this world—I’m fine!”

“Dahlia! Please, listen—”

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