True Friendship can withstand tough times

The author uses the story to teach readers the theme of a true friendship withstanding the harshest of times. We see this idea first in the story when Bodhi is protecting her. “‘I noticed you were gone and told him that you were in the nurses but didn’t want anyone to know. ’ ‘Thank You. ’ She sighed, letting out the breath she had been holding in. ‘Now, why weren’t you in class? ? That’s nothing like you. ’" The previous quote is a perfect example of their friendship because Bodhi willingly stood up for her without needing to be told. Even though he did not truly know where she was, he covered for her. He also knows that she missed class because something bothered her and wants to help. As the story continues, the theme advances when they are separated. “Yet, she continually asked for space, and he hated to be a burden, so he politely distanced himself from her. That is the reason why he is in a stupid art history class, while she is alone in the apartment. " This evidence is important because they have known each other long enough for Bodhi to understand that when she asks for space, he should give it to her. He also accepts that she will talk when she wants to and doesn’t push her. Nearing the end of the narrative, we see friendship when she is grieving. "Exactly 24 hours later, she calls Bodhi but hangs up before the call goes through. She wants to talk to him about her feelings and knows he could try to help… All day he had been thinking about how she had stormed out and skipped school. " The earlier statement reveals that they were both thinking about their fight and wanted to make it better. The two of them knew they could help one another, but were waiting for the other to admit it. Finally, at the closing of the piece, Bodhi is a true friend when he puts her actions into a bigger perspective. “‘You have not failed her. In fact, you are the smartest person I know, with a kind and persistent heart. But if you continue skipping school, your goals will become that much harder to reach. ’” This final quote displays genuine friendship since Bodhi was not afraid to tell her she was handling the situation wrong. Without hesitation, he explained she didn’t fail yet, but if she continues on the new path she has put herself on, then she will eventually fail. When he explains this to her, she doesn’t grow upset. Instead, she agrees and wants his help. Through the evidence in this paragraph, I have proven that the story's theme is, if a friendship is true, it will help through tough times and be there for the positive times. This theme is still extremely relevant now/in modern society as people will always have difficult parts in their lives that they need other people to help them through. People, especially teens, have friends who claim that they are there for them, but when things become tough, they simply disappear or become unapproachable. An article by Allison Michelle Dienstman describes the qualities of a true friend. In the article, she claims that friends will “will stand by to help overcome obstacles… [and] A good friend will help us make the right choices even if that means saying something we don’t always want to hear. Friends will give us the motivation to help follow through with the things we want to achieve (Dienstman). ” On the other hand, a fake friend will leave when you need them the most or put more obstacles in the way. A good friend will always be honest and helpful, even though the truth hurts or makes you mad. Finally, if a friend seems down or unhappy, an authentic friend will try to motivate them while a fake friend will sit back and watch. This idea connects to my claim because having a good friend is important, especially when someone is going through a difficult time. In the story, a pair of friends have known each other long enough that when one is struggling, the other knows how to help. Instead of running away from his best friend's problems, Bodhi gives her space when she wants it but helps once she wants to talk. He also tells her the truth with no hesitation or fear of rejection.