Just Friends

Lena hesitates to become “more than friends” with Nolan, Nivaz discovers that an enemy can become a friend, and Mariam learns that arguments can sometimes help you get to know each other better: three friends, three modern short stories that explore friendship in adolescence.

Damage to the Ego

Lena met her friend Nolan while playing online. One day, he sends her a message: “There’s something I want to talk to you about. Would you like to meet up?” Lena convinces herself that if Nolan wants to see her, it’s because he wants to confess his feelings for her. With her friend Nivaz, she prepares for this meeting as much as she dreads it. Does she really want this friendship to turn into love?

The Voice of the Pantheon

At Nivaz’s school, all the members of the “popular” group have nicknames based on the names of gods and goddesses from Greek mythology. Titouan the heartthrob is Zeus, his girlfriend Sarah is Hera, and the pretty Jade is nicknamed Aphrodite. During a video game tournament, Nivaz faces a competitor she quickly recognizes: Jade! Aphrodite is a video game fan? Nivaz can’t believe it. Could she become a friend?

Safeguard

One morning, on the bus, Mariam’s cell phone is stolen. It contained her entire life, including a song she had written and composed with her former best friend, Lena. Armed with her new phone (an early birthday present), Mariam sends Lena a message to get the file back. This gives the two friends an opportunity to reconnect and, two years after their falling out, to ask themselves what had driven them apart.