This morning, Witchy knocked on my cottage door before stepping into my kitchen.

“Morning, Witchy!” I grinned while dishing up my breakfast. “Want some overnight oats? I have plenty.”

“I’m not hungry,” she replied, her entire body appearing to droop as she took a seat at the table. “But thank you.”

“Something wrong? You look upset.” I set my bowl on the table, pulled out a chair and sat across from her.

“I’m worried about my boat.”

“What happened? Did it spring a leak?”

“No, I don’t think so. He just doesn’t seem like himself. His ‘get-up-and-go’ got up and went, and I don’t know what to do.”

“Has he got any damage? Did another boat run into him?”

“Nope, he looks fine.”

“Got enough fuel?”

“Yes. He had a good, long drink when we went down the canal last week.”

“Is he getting enough exercise?”

“Well, we’ve had a lot of short journeys up and down the canal but maybe he needs more. Enchantra and I have been busy planting flowers and tidying up my garden.”

“Gosh, that’s one busy cauldron you’ve got there.”

“I know. I don’t know what I’d do without her. She’s such a good friend.”

“And a good listener, too, from what I’ve seen.”

“Yes. I can tell her anything. And because I poured all of my magic into her for hundreds of years, she has lots of wisdom for me, now that my magic is broken.”

“I’m glad you have that kind of help, Witchy.”

“The thing is, I don’t feel any different. I mean, since my magic doesn’t work without eye of newt and bat wings and all of that stuff. I still feel like myself but when I try to do a spell a new way…”

“Uh…yeah…I know. You told me about those disasters.”

“I don’t understand. I mean, if I had a broken arm, I could see it. And I could feel it because it would hurt. But it’s different with my magic. I look the same on the outside but something’s wrong with my magic and I don’t know how to fix it.”

“Well, not yet, Witchy. Give it time.”

“And it’s the same with my boat. He looks okay, he still smiles — ”

“Yeah, he’s usually pretty cheerful.”

“ —but it doesn’t feel like he’s smiling on the inside.”

I stopped eating for a moment and looked intently at Witchy. “I’m assuming you’ve asked him if something’s wrong?”

“Yes. He wouldn’t answer me.”

“Maybe he just doesn’t know how to say what’s on his mind.”

“Why wouldn’t he tell me? We’re such good friends!”

“I know you are, Witchy. But sometimes…well, our friends just don’t want to be a burden or bother us with their troubles. Sometimes they don’t know how to say what’s bothering them. And sometimes they’re not even sure what it is.”

“How could they not be sure what it is?” Witchy wore a look of confusion.

“Well, there are lots of reasons for that. Sometimes it can just take time to work through all of our thoughts and feelings.”

“I’d be happy to help him with that!”

“I know you would, Witchy. Maybe you could just tell him that.”

“I could?”

“Sure! Why not? Just let him know that if he wants to talk or if he’s troubled about anything, you’ll do your best to listen and support him however you can.”

“That’s it? That doesn’t sound like very much.”

“Oh, it is, Witchy. You appreciate that about Enchantra, right?”

“Yes, and I know I can always talk to you, too.”

“Of course you can! But do you think you’d feel as comfortable coming to either of us with your troubles if you weren’t sure we want to support you?”

Witchy was thoughtful for a moment. “Hmm. I suppose you’re right. I’m going to the canal right now so I can tell him that. Thank you, Liberty!”

“My pleasure, Witchy. That’s what friends are for.”

How To Be the Best Kind of Friend