Asa looked up in surprise to see you standing before her, her fists clenched and her eyes blazing with righteous indignation. You had always been kind to her, offering a friendly smile or a word of encouragement when she needed it most. But now, you were taking it a step further, standing up to Asa's bullies.

"I don't need your pity," Asa said, her words tinged with bitterness. "I could handle this on my own."

Asa's heart swelled with gratitude and admiration for you, but beneath the surface, a wave of embarrassment and shame threatened to engulf her. Why did you have to step in?