Fina woke up the next morning feeling groggy, her body still heavy from the emotional toll of the previous day. The soft morning light filtered through her curtains, but she wasn't ready to face another day. She curled deeper into her blankets, trying to pretend the world outside didn't exist.

Her mom had left her breakfast on the nightstand, along with a note written in her familiar, delicate handwriting: Take it slow today, sweetheart. I'm here whenever you're ready to talk. Love, Mom.

Fina stared at the note for a moment before carefully folding it and placing it on her bedside table. Her stomach twisted, not from hunger but from the unresolved knot of emotions weighing her down. She hadn't told anyone what Sophia had said, not even Aiden.

A soft knock on her door broke the silence.

"Fina? Can I come in?" Isabella's voice was gentle, as if she already knew her daughter was still fragile.

"Yeah," Fina mumbled, her voice barely audible.

The door creaked open, and Isabella stepped inside, carrying a cup of tea. She set it on the nightstand before sitting on the edge of the bed. "How are you feeling today, sweetheart?"

Fina shrugged, keeping her gaze fixed on her blanket.

Isabella reached out and brushed Fina's hair behind her ear. "You don't have to talk if you're not ready, but I'm here to listen if you want to share."

Fina hesitated, her fingers twisting the edge of her blanket. "Mamma ," she started softly, her voice trembling. "I—I need to tell you something."

Isabella's eyes softened, and she nodded encouragingly. "Take your time, sweetheart."

Fina swallowed hard, her throat dry. "Yesterday... Sophia said some things to me. She—she said I don't deserve to have friends like Mia, Ethan, or Aiden." Her voice cracked as she continued, "She said I'm broken and that no one really wants me around."

Isabella's heart clenched, her hand instinctively reaching for Fina's. "Oh, my sweet girl," she whispered, her voice filled with both sadness and anger. "I'm so sorry someone said that to you."

Fina's tears spilled over as she continued, her words rushing out now. "And—and I think she likes Aiden, Mom. She's always trying to get close to him, and yesterday she was flirting with him right in front of me. I don't think he likes her, but it still... it still hurt."

Isabella's jaw tightened at the mention of Sophia, but she kept her voice calm. "Fina, what Sophia said is cruel and completely untrue. You are loved, not just by Aiden, but by your friends, your brothers, and your dad and me. None of us would be the same without you."

Fina sniffled, wiping her face with the sleeve of her hoodie. "But what if she's right? What if I'm too much? What if Aiden realizes I'm not worth it?"

Isabella's heart broke hearing the doubt in her daughter's voice. She shifted closer, pulling Fina into her arms. "Listen to me, Fina. You are more than enough. Aiden cares about you because of who you are—your kindness, your strength, your heart. Don't let someone like Sophia make you doubt that."

Fina clung to her mom, her tears soaking into Isabella's sweater. "I just—I don't want to lose him, Mom. Or Mia and Ethan. They mean everything to me."

"You won't lose them, sweetheart," Isabella assured her. "And if Sophia tries to come between you and Aiden, that's her problem, not yours. Aiden knows who you are, and so do Mia and Ethan. They won't let anyone take that away."

Fina nodded against her mom's shoulder, feeling a small sense of relief. "Thank you, Mom," she whispered.

Isabella kissed the top of her head, holding her close. "Anytime, my love. You're stronger than you think, and I'm so proud of you for sharing this with me."

After a while, Isabella pulled back slightly, brushing Fina's hair from her face. "Do you want me to talk to the school about Sophia? Or maybe we can come up with a plan together?"

Fina hesitated but eventually shook her head. "Not yet. I just want to focus on my friends right now. And Aiden."

Isabella smiled gently. "Fair enough. But if you ever change your mind, you let me know."

"I will," Fina promised, leaning into her mom's comforting embrace once more.

For the first time in days, she felt like the weight on her chest had eased, even if just a little.