9. Visiting Stefany

As the school bell rang signaling the end of today's lessons, Daniel, Hugo, and Filbert stood under a large tree in the corner of the schoolyard with Marsha and Caroline. They gathered to discuss plans to visit Stefany at her house. Everyone seemed eager to see how their friend was doing.

However, before they started walking, Marsha spoke. "You know, there is one problem we have to consider. Stefany's father, Mr. Frank, doesn't like Stefany being friends with boys. This could be a problem if you guys come along."

Daniel looked anxious. "I remember that. Stefany once told me. I don't want to make the situation more difficult for her."

Hugo nodded in agreement. "Yes, we don't want to add to the problem. Maybe it's better if only Marsha and Caroline go."

Filbert added, "We can wait nearby, while playing."

Marsha and Caroline looked at each other, then nodded. "Alright, we'll go," Caroline said. "We will convey the messages from you."

Daniel smiled in relief. "Thank you, Marsha, Caroline. Give my regards to Stefany."

After saying goodbye to Daniel, Hugo, and Filbert, Marsha and Caroline started cycling towards Stefany's house. The house was located on a quiet street, not too far from the school. Arriving in front of the house, they saw the door open and were greeted by Mrs. Emily, Stefany's mother, with a warm smile.

"Good afternoon, Mrs.," the two greeted kindly.

"Oh, hello Marsha, Caroline. How are you? How was your school today?" Mrs. Emily greeted.

"We are fine, Mrs. Emily. We came to visit Stefany. We heard from the teacher that she is sick," Marsha replied politely.

Mrs. Emily seemed a little surprised to hear that her daughter was said to be sick. Even though Stefany was fine. She was just serving a punishment from her father. However, Mrs. Emily immediately smiled again.

"Oh, of course. Come in, Stefany is in her room on the second floor."

They followed Mrs. Emily into the house and climbed the stairs to Stefany's room. The door to Stefany's room was open, and the girl was seen sitting on her bed, reading a book. When she saw Marsha and Caroline, she smiled broadly.

"Marsha, Caroline! I didn't expect you to come," Stefany greeted.

"We were very worried when we heard you were sick. But, you don't look like someone who is sick," Caroline said while approaching Stefany's bed.

Stefany sighed deeply. "Actually, I'm not sick. Daddy forbade me from leaving the house as punishment for playing until the evening with Daniel a few days ago."

"What?" the two said in shock.

Marsha and Caroline looked at each other, surprised by Stefany's confession.

"Oh no, so that's the real reason," Marsha said. "We thought you were really sick," Caroline retorted.

Stefany then showed a sad expression. "I really want to go out, go to school, and meet you guys. But right now Daddy is very angry with me because I played for too long. He said I have to learn to be responsible and must not break the rules."

Caroline sat next to Stefany, and tried to calm her friend. "We really understand your situation right now. Don't worry, Stefany. We are here to accompany you and make you feel better."

Marsha added, "Daniel, Hugo, and Filbert are also very worried. They wanted to visit you too, but we decided that only the two of us would come because your father doesn't like you being friends with boys."

"Daniel also feels very guilty towards you. Because of him you haven't been to school for a few days," Caroline said.

Stefany smiled weakly. "I really appreciate your understanding. I also feel guilty for making you worry. Especially about Daniel, it's not his fault at all."

The three of them then spent time talking, laughing, and sharing stories with each other. Stefany felt better with the presence of her friends, even though she couldn't leave the house.

Still inside Stefany's room,

Caroline and Marsha began to rummage through their bags and take out papers containing messages from their friends. Stefany was still sitting on the bed, her face full of curiosity.

"These are messages from our friends, for you," Caroline said, then handed several sheets of paper to Stefany. "We are all very worried about you," Marsha said.

Stefany received the papers with trembling hands, feeling touched by the attention from her friends. She opened the first paper, which turned out to be from Filbert.

"Get well soon, Stefany. We all miss you at school. Don't be sick for too long, okay."

-Filbert-

Stefany smiled gently. "Filbert is always so caring."

She then continued reading the next message, which was written by Hugo.

"Stefany, I hope you get well soon. Without you, school feels less fun. We are all here to support you."

-Hugo-

Stefany felt warm in her heart, even though she wasn't really sick. "Hugo is really a good friend," she exclaimed softly.

Caroline and Marsha looked at each other, realizing that the next message might be the most important. Caroline handed in the last paper, which was written by Daniel. Stefany took the paper, unfolded it, and began to read carefully.

"Stefany,

I'm so worried to hear that you are sick. I hope it's just a normal fever and you will recover soon. I can't stop thinking about the day we played on the hill behind the school. That time was so much fun.

I feel so guilty if it turns out that because of that day you got sick. I never meant to make you feel unwell. I just wanted us to have fun. Every time I see that place now, I feel heavy in my heart, because it reminds me of you and your current condition.

Stefany, you are one of the best friends I have ever had. You always know how to make me laugh and feel comfortable. I really miss our togetherness, sharing stories and laughter. I miss your smile that always makes my day better. I wish I could be there with you now, to take care of you and make sure you are okay. But I know, maybe that would make things more complicated. So, I can only hope and pray from here.

Get well soon, Stefany. We all miss you, especially me. I can't wait to see you back at school, healthy and full of enthusiasm as usual.

Warm regards,"

-Daniel-

As Stefany read the message, tears began to flow down her cheeks. Daniel's words were so sincere and caring. She felt every emotion that Daniel wrote, and it made her heart feel very touched.

"Stefany, what's wrong?" Marsha asked with a worried voice, seeing her friend's tears.

Stefany wiped her tears quickly. "I ... I'm just touched. Daniel cares so much about me. I also really miss him and all our togetherness."

Caroline approached and hugged Stefany. "We all miss you, Stefany. And we will always be there for you, no matter what happens."

Stefany nodded, trying to hold back the tears that kept flowing. "Thank you, Caroline, Marsha. You are all amazing friends."

The three of them were still sitting together on the bed, feeling the warmth of that friendship. Caroline and Marsha knew that even though Stefany wasn't really sick, the punishment from her father made her feel isolated and lonely. They were determined to make Stefany feel loved and supported.

Marsha took Stefany's hand and held it tightly. "We will always be there for you, Stefany. Remember that."

Stefany smiled, even though her eyes were still wet. "Thank you, friends. I'm so lucky to have friends like you."

Caroline looked at the clock on the wall. "We have to go home soon, but we will come again tomorrow. Don't worry, you won't be alone."

Stefany nodded. "I will wait. Thank you once again, Marsha, Caroline. You mean so much to me."

They hugged before Caroline and Marsha went back downstairs, said goodbye to Mrs. Emily, and walked home with a feeling of relief for having made Stefany feel better.

After her two friends left, Stefany sat on the bed, looking at the messages from her friends. She missed them all, especially Daniel. The girl held the paper from Daniel tightly, reading it over and over, feeling every word bring warmth and support to her.