Nelly waved her arms excitedly, her eyes sparkling as she described the rainbow forest she and Peach had explored just the day before. "And then, we found a hidden waterfall that sparkled like diamonds!" Peach, with her orange mane shimmering in the light, stood tall beside her, seemingly real to those who dared to believe.
Steven regaled the class with tales of his summer travels, showing off souvenirs and photographs. Nelly felt the weight of her classmates' attention drifting away, and a pang of jealousy tightened in her chest. "Maybe we should find a new adventure, one that no one else can match," she whispered to Peach.
Oren and Simon, two of Nelly's closest friends, visited her, their faces etched with concern. "We miss our adventures, Nelly. Get better soon," Oren said softly, while Simon nodded in agreement. But the illness clung tightly, and the room remained somber.
Nelly closed her eyes for the last time, surrounded by her family and a few of her classmates who had come to say goodbye. Peach, the faithful unicorn glass, remained by her side, a silent companion in her final moments.
Oren and Simon stood together, their hearts heavy with the loss of their friend. "We were wrong to blame her for wanting to be popular," Simon admitted, tears mingling with the rain. "She just wanted to share her joy with us," Oren added, his voice thick with emotion.
Steven approached Oren and Simon, his usual bravado replaced with sincerity. "I didn't mean to take her place," he said softly. "No one could," Simon replied, a small smile forming as they all watched the rainbow fade, leaving behind the memory of a beloved friend.
