"Dear friend,

What's on your mind?

You don't laugh the way you used to,

But I've noticed how you cry,

Dear friend,

I feel so helpless,

I see you sit in silence,

As you face new pain each day,

I feel there's nothing I can do,

I know you don't feel pretty,

Even though you are,

But it wasn't your beauty,

That found room in my heart,

Dear friend,

You are so precious,

Dear friend."

Stacie Orrico- Dear Friend

"What's wrong with me, Manny?" Emma asked her best friend that evening on the phone. It was Saturday, a day where Emma could've been out helping to preserve some rain forest in Brazil. Instead she was at home feeling depressed.... again.

"Nothing's wrong with you, Emma," Manny said trying to comfort her best friend. "You're perfect."

"Then why does everything always go so wrong?" Emma asked, tears streaking her face.

"What are you talking about, Emma?"

Emma sighed. "I don't know anymore. Nothing makes sense."

"Emma, whatever's on your mind, you should tell me."

"I-I don't want to. Just forget it."

"Emma..... well whatever it is, it'll get better, Emma. I promise."

"Yeah, I know it will," Emma said, cradling the empty bottle of pills in her hand. "I'm tired. I'm going to go to sleep."

"It's only five. How about we go hang out somewhere?"

"No, that's ok. I'd rather stay home."

"Ok, Emma."

"Manny.... I'll miss you."

"What are you talking about, Emma? You're starting to scare me."

"Nothing, just forget it."

Manny bit her lip, but decided to let it go. "Okay. Bye, Emma."

"Bye, Manny." Emma hung up the phone, beginning to cry again.

"It's ok," she consoled herself. "It'll all be over soon." She closed her eyes, letting the pills have their way with her.