True Friends Help You Stand Taller

Liam and Jay had been best friends for as long as they could remember. Every morning, they walked to school together, racing each other to the corner and laughing at silly jokes. They shared lunches, played basketball after school, and knew everything about each other.

One morning, as they walked to school, Liam saw Jay pointing at another classmate, Daniel, and laughing. “Look at his shoes! They look like clown shoes,” Jay chuckled, nudging Liam.

Liam hesitated for a moment, but then, without thinking, he laughed too. It felt like the right thing to do—Jay was his best friend, and they always stuck together.

At lunchtime, Liam noticed Daniel sitting alone, staring at his tray, barely touching his food. His shoulders slumped, and his face looked sad. A little weight settled in Liam’s chest, but he shook it off.

The next morning, on their way to school, Jay did it again. This time, Liam didn’t laugh. He just walked beside Jay quietly. At lunch, Daniel sat alone again, looking just as sad. Liam felt a knot in his stomach.

The next morning, when Jay started making fun of Daniel, Liam stopped walking. He didn’t say anything—he just turned and walked away. Jay called after him, confused, but Liam kept walking.

At lunchtime, Liam decided to sit next to Daniel. But as soon as he did, Daniel frowned and stood up. “Why are you sitting here?” Daniel muttered before walking away.

Liam felt confused. He hadn’t done anything wrong… had he?

The next day, Liam made a decision. He wouldn’t walk to school with Jay. Instead, he walked alone. And at lunch, he tried to sit with Daniel again. But Daniel just shook his head and walked away.

That night, as Liam lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, he felt a heavy sadness settle in his heart. Why wouldn’t Daniel talk to him? He never made fun of him—why wouldn’t he sit with him?

Just then, his dad knocked on the door. “Time to sleep, buddy,” he said, stepping inside. But then he noticed Liam’s frown. “What’s wrong?”

Liam hesitated, then told his dad everything. How Jay had been mean, how he had laughed the first time, and how he stopped but never said anything. He told him about Daniel ignoring him and how confused he felt.

His dad listened carefully, then sighed. “Liam, when something wrong is happening, and you do nothing, it’s almost like doing it yourself. The first time, you laughed. But even after that, you didn’t tell Jay to stop.”

Liam frowned. “I just didn’t want to upset him. He’s my best friend. I want to support him no matter what.”

His dad nodded. “A real friend isn’t afraid to tell the truth, even if it upsets someone. A best friend helps their friend be better.”

Liam thought about that as he fell asleep.

The next morning, Liam made another decision. He walked to school with Daniel instead of Jay. When they met Jay on the way, Jay smirked. “Oh, I see. You have a new best friend now?”

Liam took a deep breath. “Jay… you’re not being nice.” His voice was quiet but firm.

Jay’s face changed. For the first time, he didn’t laugh. Instead, he frowned, turned away, and walked off without another word.

At lunch, Liam walked over to Jay’s table, but before he could say anything, Jay grabbed his tray and walked away.

That night, Liam asked his dad, “Can you take me to Jay’s house?” His dad nodded. Liam grabbed his favorite basketball—the one he and Jay always played with.

When Jay opened the door, he just stared at Liam. Before he could say anything, Liam tossed him the basketball. “Game time,” he said, smiling.

Jay caught the ball but didn’t smile back. “I thought you had a new best friend now.”

Liam shook his head. “You’re my best friend. That’s why I had to tell you the truth. A best friend tells you when you’re wrong, even if it upsets you. I promise I’ll always tell you the truth.”

Jay looked down at the ball, then back up at Liam. Slowly, a small smile crept onto his face. “You promise?”

“Forever,” Liam said.

And with that, they walked to the driveway and started their game—just like always. But this time, something felt different. Something felt better.

Because real friendship isn’t just about standing beside someone. It’s about helping them stand taller.

The next morning, when Liam and Daniel met on the way to school, Liam took a deep breath and said, “I’m sorry,