The Voice That Taught Me About Forgiveness

One time in school, I fought with my best friend. We fought because we had different opinions during a group discussion. The tension started from the very beginning of the team homework assignment. We had trouble assigning tasks effectively. So, after a few tense discussions, we decided to split the assignment into three parts and set a deadline three weeks from then. 

We regularly sent each other reminders to make sure that we were on track to complete our assigned tasks before the deadline. Claire always told us not to be over-anxious about the deadline and often said, “Everything is alright,” or “I am doing great.” Very positive, I thought. We trusted her. Yet, the night before the deadline, she messaged us saying that her part was not done; in fact, she was far from finishing it. 

I felt infuriated and disappointed because it was not her first time breaking her promises. I asked her, “Why can’t you finish your part on time, or let us know earlier if you had trouble doing it?” And her response was, “Sorry, I didn’t mean it.” It was always me who had to take responsibility for her instead. We had a big fight. Even though we managed to hand in the assignment on time, after the presentation, we started a cold war because Claire refused to apologize to me and the other teammates. 

During that period, I felt very lonely and awkward. I really missed talking with her during the breaks and walking together to buy after-school snacks at the stalls near our school. We shared beautiful memories. But it felt like something was pulling our friendship farther apart. She was still angry at me for being mad at her, and I didn’t know what I could do to make her grow up. At that moment, however, there was a voice inside me telling me that she was also upset and wondering why I wouldn’t give her a chance to speak. The voice grew louder and ultimately asked me to forgive her. It even told me, “If I approach her and say sorry first, the misunderstanding will be resolved, and the war will be over.” 

Finally, I made up my mind to break down the Berlin Wall that separated Claire and me, so I asked a mutual friend of ours, Cindy, to help us. I wrote a card and bought Claire a cup of her favorite boba tea. Cindy, Claire, and I gathered after school. We made up and shared our feelings of frustration and misunderstanding. We laughed together and became best friends again. Most importantly, Claire promised that she would never hold us back again. 

Gianna is an 8th grader from Chiayi City who loves reading and writing as a way to share her feelings and experiences. In her stories, she often reflects on the ups and downs of friendship and the importance of listening to the inner voice that guides her toward understanding and forgiveness.