In a peaceful village lived two best friends, Ethan and Leo. They had been inseparable since childhood. One afternoon, Ethan was working hard on a wooden birdhouse he had built. Leo, who was very skilled at carpentry, saw a small mistake in the structure. Wanting Ethan to learn the right way, Leo spoke very sharply. "This is terrible!" Leo shouted. "The edges are uneven and the roof is crooked. Don't you know how to use a hammer properly?"
Ethan felt a sharp sting in his heart. He felt embarrassed and hurt. 'Why is my best friend being so mean to me?' he thought, feeling like crying. He sat quietly, feeling lonely. A few minutes later, Leo sat down beside him. His expression had softened completely. "Ethan," Leo said gently, "I only spoke that way because I know how much you love woodworking. I don't want you to make a mistake that ruins the whole project later. You are talented, and I want your work to be perfect."
In that moment, Ethan realized that while Leo's words had been harsh like a stranger's, his intention was filled with deep friendship and care. The sting of the words faded, replaced by the warmth of understanding. Ethan smiled, and the two friends went back to working together.
