We don’t text all day anymore.
We send one photo, maybe two,
and trust the rest.

You still know when I’m tired.
I still know when you’re pretending
not to be.

We learned each other
in small places.
Bus rides.
Shared snacks.
Laughing too loud
when we were supposed to be quiet.

Somewhere, we stopped needing proof.
No constant updates.
No matching schedules.
Just the quiet understanding
that we’re still here.

When we meet again,
it’s easy.
Like sitting down in a chair
you once thought you lost.

We don’t hold each other tightly.
We don’t have to.

We stay
because we want to.

The post How We Stay Friends appeared first on GirlSpring.

she looks in the mirror

But the girl she sees staring back,

is not who she once was

The grass beneath her feet,

the sound of her mother calling her back inside because it’s too dark

is replaced by scrolling endlessly

and full agendas

Stress, anxiety, fear,

all things that the girl she once was never had

When overcommitment was a word she could not spell

When missing school caused a celebration,

not long nights of extra work

When the blue sky was not replaced by navy folders

She didn’t realize that

her time in the sun was fleeting

Yet, amidst the replacements,

the girl that once was sits in her heart

And as she steps into the sun,

and feels the grass beneath her feet,

she realizes the girl that she still is.

The post The Girl That She Still Is appeared first on GirlSpring.

By Victoria Spear

Prologue: The Discovery 

Stars.

 A fixed luminous point in the night sky, which is a large, remote incandescent body like the sun.  

The night calms the state of mind for many people, others it’s a nice time to bask in the lonely feeling of solitude. Not that having no friends is a bad thing like many people portray , in the end it’s better to have none than for them to leave you or stab you in the back. A teen in all black traveled down the street of envy. 

The city was much nicer than this, but to the teen boy it was his safe haven. The restaurants felt like home, the stores of clothes and gifts lined up reminded him of his grandmother in a way. The currents of the sea roared, begging him to jump into it and escape all his problems, to wash away the sins and burdens that scared him to the core. 

The streets were filled nonetheless, a huff came from the male teens nose, the hot air visible as he blew out into the cold night. The strip mall was popular due to it being close to the docs and Orion’s Cliff , the hot spot as many people would say for teens and young adults to hang out and go on dates during the summer and winter. His dark green eyes reflected the lights within stores couples and friends walked out of, his dark hair and dyed brown tips tapping-smacking 

his face gently as he walked down the crowded sidewalk. His nostrils were filled with a nice bitter aroma of seafood and overused perfume and cologne. 

Two girls looked at him and giggled, their clothes and phones flaunted their wealth along with the twelve shopping bags they were carrying. 

One waved at him, clearly recognizing who he was, he showed no response and kept walking. The girl glared back in response claiming she wasn’t even interested, no doubt trying to regain pride and fill her ego. 

The lights illuminated the side of his face, his sneakers were worn down and dirty, unlike the rest of his branded sweats that were fresh out the wash this morning.  Although it was a bit chilly outside he stuck to his regular clothing choice, even if he had goosebumps underneath his hoodie. Turning the corner he took a glance at the building titled ‘Force Waves’ a bloody shark taking a sharp bite out of the F in ‘Force’. The sign was freshly replaced to attract more attention from shoppers passing by, with the help of the boy’s donation, the restaurant has been gaining much more profit. 

The comforting smell of his favorite food being  grilled filled his nostrils as a smile slowly crept upon his face. With a familiar warmth welcoming him as he opened the door he felt his problems lift from his shoulders for a few minutes. 

“ERIN! My best customer! How’s life been treatin’ ya these days?” , a bellowed laugh and grin erased any frown and left on the teens face. Erin looked up at the father figure before him and gave a quick smile. The owner of Force Waves was no other than Mr. Ibis, he prided himself in keeping his family restaurant afloat along with the rest of his family. 

The restaurant was a building made out of five boxcars, an idea Erin brought to their attention when he was in seventh grade. Not only is it a modern way to catch attention , but it also was a great way of recycling and not letting the boxes rust away in landfills. The walls had a nice warm feel of a diner than a restaurant if he was completely honest, the fact that it was in a nice area gave it top props as well. Not only were the lights giving off a soft yellow, but they gave a nice contrast against the blue walls with printed lettering of sea folk tales he’d heard so many years ago.  

The reason he came and visited so much was due to the family and the food he couldn’t go a few days without even if he tried. 

Mr Ibis’ wife Astrid, most of the time is in the back handling the bills along with keeping up on the stock. Their son Jasper currently works with them on the weekends while away from college, where as their daughter Gaia was a senior like Erin attending Oryn High, from what he’s been hearing the past few days she’s been planning on going to culinary school off in the east to open up her own location to build up Force Waves name. 

“I’ve been doing alright, finishing the second semester has been a real pain,” Erin propped himself up against the front desk, he watched the man behind the grill eyeing the meat as it browned, “But hey, at least I have three more months left and I’ll be done with that hell hole.” His frown returned, he watched his mother’s family friend flip the fresh ground beef on the grill along with fresh battered shrimp swiftly thrown into the fry with a swish and flick. 

Ibis saw his expression knowing that the past couple of months have been surely stressful, especially with his exams and plans to ditch the city of Oryn all together. It’s a routine for Erin to come in around dinner time, he’d always end up getting the usual; the number four combo shrimp hamburger, light onion rings, with a nice orange cream soda to swig it all down.

 Erin simply couldn’t let go of the simple comfort food his mother loved along with him. The Ibis family were all too familiar with the two and grew fond of them over the past years since he was five. The familiar ringing of the bell as Erin ran into the building in excitement greeting everyone he saw while his mother held a soft smile, unfortunately, those times weren’t cherished as they should’ve been. 

“Ah, but you and I both know you’re smarter than you let on,” The chef replied with a soft voice, “You have enough money saved up to buy your own home and start a whole another life altogether. It’s a shame that you haven’t been thinking about other things except escaping.” Erin let out a smack of the lips at his jab, reminding himself it was the only way to be free, to truly reach his goal. 

“Gaia has been helping us run the restaurant after school till seven or so and managed to meet a nice boy around your age,” He continued, he swiftly started adding grilled onions on the sandwich before drizzling his signature sauce and placed the bun on top, “I know how you feel about romance n’ all but it wouldn’t hurt to at least have a friend.” 

He glanced back over towards the teen boy, his shoulders slightly shaking, eyes placed on the floor. The chef let out a rough breath and wrapped the remainder of the sandwich before grabbing the orange soda from the fridge. Five years have passed and it only seems like the teen’s heart was going through endless turmoil. He wouldn’t be surprised if he never gave his father a letter goodbye. 

“Big I, we’ve been over this, my father would only ruin anything that comes into my life. Everything will have to wait until-” Erin was cut off with the adult’s sad stare, his sharp green orbs placed themselves back on the floor. 

The Chef placed the paper bag on the counter, grease from the fried onion rings showed on the bag right next to the restaurant’s logo. The air between the two grew tense, the teen already knew where this conversation was going, the reality was he didn’t want to hear it. He didn’t want to be reminded of the town he’d be leaving behind, the memories he made here with her and his old friend. The laughs, the smiles, the tears shed, the adventures, the promises, all wiped out once that diploma is placed in his hands. 

Yes, he was scared about the sad reality, if he leaves everything, his home of Oryn, …….who would he be exactly? 

His thoughts were interrupted by the chime of the eatery’s entry. Two teens walked in, a boy Erin’s height along with a girl a few inches shorter, her head matching up with his shoulder. The girl immediately  recognized him and flashed a signature Ibis family smile, “Hey Erin! How have you been? Ready for Mr. McCormick’s anatomy exam this friday? You have complained to him over and over again that studying the body is a bit uncomfortable for you!” She let out a loud laugh, slinging an arm around his shoulder a bit awkwardly before yanking off his hood. 

“Gaia! What have I told you about the hood?! People are going to notice-” Gaia yanked the hood back on his head before hitting him on the arm, her hazel eyes held mischief like her older brother, but her dyed blonde shoulder-length curly hair resembles her mother. She was still in her soccer uniform from practice, practically still dripping from sweat and mud and dirt-stained her uniform. Her tanned skin glowed with the light provided in the room, Erin will admit he saw her as his older sister, both of the Ibis siblings treated him as their younger brother much to his dismay, but he couldn’t shake the nice feeling he had at the thought of them referring to him as family. 

“Sorry lil bro! I forget sometimes you don’t like to spark attention since you get enough of it at school as is.” Gaia simply backed towards the boy still in the entryway, he eyed Erin with a look he couldn’t quite catch through the bangs in his eyes. The boy reminded him of a fellow classmate he used to do projects with in chemistry junior year. He held nice brown eyes, a narrow nose, as well as a fade that tampered up to his fro on top, he wore sweats like him, but they were also drenched in sweat. 

“Oh! This is a good time to introduce you two! Erin, this is Raeden Mitchell, we met a few months ago and have been dating since!” 

Raeden walked up and held out a hand to shake, he towered a bit over him, but nonetheless, Erin tried his best not to show too much social anxiety in front of everyone. A laugh erupted from behind startling him, Astrid emerged from the office, her carefree sound bounced off the walls and into his ears, he relaxed and shook the other teen’s hand. 

“Raeden is the quiet type, but he’s more open when you get to know him. You two both have a lot in common, plus he’s in your english class, I’m surprised you look like you two didn’t know each other.” Gaia hugged her boyfriend’s side, Raeden’s face relaxed and fell into an expression of adoration. 

‘They fit perfectly’ was the first thing that popped up in his mind, the two in front of him were currently chatting with Astrid. He seemed to zone out for a while thinking about leaving them, but it’s not like they won’t have anyone else not coming into their lives, they’ll move on while he’s away. 

“We won’t forget about you if that’s what your thinking,” Mr. Ibis stood right beside him, paper bag and orange soda in hand, “You’re an essential member of our family, things won’t feel the same when you leave, just promise us one thing-” He placed his large hand on top of the boys hooded head, the other handing him the food and beverage, “That you’ll visit us as much as you can and never forget to remember your home.” 

He simply nodded, digging his hand in his pocket pulled out a twenty and placed it in the chef’s hand, “I promise, and I promise everyone worldwide will know about Force Waves.” Erin placed a small smile on his lips before leaving his family and friends with a wave, but as he left the restaurant and rounded the corner, it fell, along with a single tear before roughly wiping it away. 

~*~

The waves roared against the distant shore, the rocks looked almost like crystals if you looked hard enough, the moon shone on them brightly causing an illusion of obsidian. 

Erin downed the rest of his orange soda with a sigh, in two hours he’ll have to go home before his father notices he isn’t there. Not that his father notices when he’s out late nowadays , but he always decides it’s better safe than sorry. He stared up at the night sky, the stars shined like bright lights, angels watching every move and action we make. 

‘Just two more months, just two more, and I’ll finally be able to live on my own accord. To finally find my purpose.” Erin smiled at the thought, he’s been writing non-stop in his journal. Adding up the money, days, gas , sweat and tears it would take for him to be as far away from his hometown as possible. 

Two stars shone brightly in the black sparkled sky, one shot in the direction towards the east of Oryn, Erin peared closely towards the second star. A bright yellow and orange hue reflected slightly, the size growing tremendously with each passing second. 

The teenage boy’s eyes widened at the sight of the incoming bright flash of light, his feet moving before he could activate his reaction towards the reality of the big mass about to crash where he was currently standing. His breathing grew ragged as he scrambled to climb the rocks he once sat upon every afternoon around this time of weather, letting out a shout at the incoming heat he took cover behind a rock like wall covered in sand and moss. 

The impact from the crash sent sand and debris shooting out in every direction, Erin held his head down on his knees to prevent anything flowing into his face by mistake. With each wave that rolled onto shore the heat slowly diminished , he lifted his head to be met with the smell of glass and burnt wood. The air felt foreign in comparison to the salty dense air he’d grown accustomed to each afternoon. Pieces of wood were scattered in front , causing Erin to wonder if the landing caused damage to a part of the dock as well.

“The hell?” He looked around at the void area, which usually remained clean from trash and litter from foot traffic, only to find a sparkle of heated sand turned to glass. ‘ The Commission always has their pilots land in the water for a safer landing. Did something go wrong? ’

Gaining his bearings, Erin dusted off his sweatpants and hoodie trying to get rid of any sand laying waste on him. A mello high gasp caused him to still, a struggling breath cut through the silence once more along with a painful groan. 

Erin cautiously peeked out from behind one of the boulders blocking his view, the scene that was provided was breathtaking to say the least, there was a gray line between good and bad on how he saw the sight before him. After all, you don’t see alien girls crashing in escape pods every day.

The post Beyond Series; By Victoria Spear appeared first on GirlSpring.

GirlSpring’s Affirmation Wednesday is a weekly series that shares uplifting affirmations written by teen girls, for teen girls. Each Wednesday, a new affirmation is posted to help others feel seen, encouraged, and motivated to take on the week with confidence.

What makes it special is that the affirmations come straight from real girls who’ve been through it—sharing honest, heartfelt words that inspire others to keep going. It’s all about building a positive space where girls support each other, one powerful affirmation at a time.

1. I am worth more than I think. 

2. You are a masterpiece,

3. It is okay to make mistakes; you are only human. 

4. Your opinion is important. 

5. I am a queen. 

6. You are whole. 

7. You are one in a million. 

8. Your past does not make you a bad person. Nothing is a failure if you learn from the experience. 

9. I am a loving person. 

10. I am able to make connections. 

The post GirlSpring Affirmation Wednesday appeared first on GirlSpring.

Well, that’s what happened to me, Ellie Stark. How am I supposed to get back home? I have school tomorrow—not that I want to go, but still!

I look at my surroundings and decide to travel forward, only to be stopped by a very tall person, asking me where I’m going.

“Anywhere that’ll get me out of here,” I tell the man.

”Well, you could go this way, or was it that way? I’ve been here so long that I forget! Ha ha!” I envy his enthusiasm because being here feels so wacky! The trees are made of loops, the grass is all different colors, and animals talk too!

“Do you live here or did you randomly find your way here, because I’m here against my will.”

”Hmm.. I could tell you, but then that might be a lie,” replies the mystery man. “You might have to find some clues to find your way out, but you’ll be on your own for that! Toodles!”

Before I could even ask his name, he was gone.

What do I do now?

At this point, clues seem useless because nothing here would make sense in the first place. I guess my only option now is to ask around and see if any other people got trapped here, or if they’re ‘normal’, by their standards, at least.

Walking deeper into who-knows-where, I see a small little village. Hopefully, someone there could be better help than the other guy.

The people there looked the exact opposite of the man I first, “Oh look! A newcomer!” Every person around me said as I walked through the town. Asking around felt very judgmental because all of the people kept pointing and staring like I didn’t notice. All of the people looked at me weirdly before laughing and saying that they all came from here, so asking for a way out was even more awkward. Until one person says…

“There was this one guy who said they were ‘trapped’ in this place, just like you! But he was kinda.. off the rails, one would say, so maybe don’t go to him. If that’s what you want, though, then go for it! He’s located in the mountains, in a little cave. Best of luck to you.”

Great. Now I have to go all the way up a mountain just so I can get home! WHAT IS THIS?! Thankfully, the mountain I needed was pretty obvious to find, so I started in that direction and prayed that I didn’t die or anything.

A good–uhh… Let’s just say a good 2 hours later, I finally reached the cave entrance, which was pretty small for a person to get into. I was just about ready to collapse. It took me a bit, but I squeezed my way into the cramped zone. I couldn’t see much except from outside let me see. I could glaze my hand along the walls; I could feel markings, lines, or tally marks, what the light felt the walls, though. As I go, to be more precise. I’m guessing that’s how long the guy’s been here for.

Suddenly, I feel a shadow behind me. It slowly gets bigger, and I hear and feel heavy breathing on my neck, sounding raspy and dehydrated.

I turn around to see who’s there, but his face isn’t clear at all and it’s hard to make out who he is.

“You better not be here to mock me again. I can’t stand it anymore…”

Oh no.

The post The Adventures of Ellie Stark appeared first on GirlSpring.

By Victoria Spear

“Spirited Away” is not only celebrated as a classic and beautiful Japanese animated film but also for its profound lessons and meanings. From the cleansing of a polluted river spirit to the transformation of greedy parents into pigs, the film is rich with symbolism. At its core, the story follows Chihiro’s journey of growth and self-discovery. Throughout Hayao Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away,” Chihiro’s experiences illustrate her growth and transition through adolescence, leading to a more mature state of mind when she returns to her world. Through its symbols, character interactions, and challenges, the film portrays Chihiro’s coming-of-age journey. 

One thing studio Ghibli films the visuals and symbols, as the facial expressions within characters can capture moments that convey meaning without having to say them explicitly. Arguably, one of the scenes in particular that comes is in regards to the red tunnel that the family goes into at the beginning of the film. The red tunnel can be symbolized as a transition through puberty and new beginnings. In the beginning, we can see Chihiros growing anxiety with having to move to a new area, not only that but a new school as well. She’s afraid of this new beginning and thus clings to her parents as much as possible for guidance. 

Once Chihiro and her parents pass through the tunnel, there is a noticeable shift in their roles. Chihiro, who starts as a scared and uncertain child, becomes the voice of reason, warning her parents not to eat the food that doesn’t belong to them. Her refusal to indulge in the food symbolizes her rejection of greed and immaturity, distinguishing her from her parents, who succumb to their appetites and are transformed into pigs. This transformation represents the consequences of gluttony and selfishness, while Chihiro’s restraint marks the beginning of her journey towards maturity.

The bathhouse in “Spirited Away” also  serves as a crucial setting for Chihiro’s transformation and growth. Upon entering the bathhouse, Chihiro is initially overwhelmed by its unfamiliarity and the various spirits she encounters. However, as she begins working there, she undergoes a process of purification and renewal. The bathhouse itself is a place where spirits come to cleanse themselves, and this symbolism extends to Chihiro’s journey. One pivotal moment to highlight  is Chihiro’s encounter with the polluted river spirit. Initially mistaken for a “stink spirit,” the river spirit is covered in filth and pollution. Chihiro bravely takes on the task of cleaning it, and in doing so, she not only reveals the true nature of the spirit but also undergoes a symbolic cleansing herself. As she pulls out the debris and pollution, the river spirit emerges clean and renewed, and in gratitude, it holds her up and envelops her in warm water. This act can be seen as a baptism of sorts, symbolizing Chihiro’s own purification and rebirth.

The river spirit’s cleansing parallels Chihiro’s internal transformation. By helping the spirit, Chihiro sheds her own fears and insecurities, embracing a sense of responsibility and compassion. The warm water that envelops her represents a safe and nurturing space, allowing her to emerge stronger and more confident. This moment signifies a new beginning for Chihiro, as she starts to fully rid herself of past mistakes and childish fears. Throughout her time in the bathhouse, Chihiro faces numerous challenges that test her courage and resilience. She learns to navigate the complex social dynamics of the spirit world, makes alliances with characters like Haku and Lin, and overcomes obstacles with determination and empathy. Her interactions with figures such as Yubaba and No-Face further highlight her growing maturity. Despite the dangers and uncertainties she faces, Chihiro consistently shows compassion and a willingness to help others, even when it puts her at risk.

By the end of the film, Chihiro’s transformation is complete. As she and her parents return through the tunnel, Chihiro no longer looks back with uncertainty. Her experiences in the spirit world have instilled in her a newfound confidence and self-assurance. Haku’s parting words and the knowledge that she has saved her parents and herself reinforce her growth. She emerges from the tunnel not as the scared girl who entered, but as a more mature and self-assured individual, ready to face the challenges of her own world. The tunnel is no longer read either, its covered with new flora and fauna showing that each leaf and vine was formed through each decision and action she made. This transition is a powerful symbol of her coming of age, illustrating the film’s overarching theme of growth and the journey from childhood to maturity.

Another significant influence on Chihiro’s growth is her interactions with other characters, particularly her bond with Haku. When Chihiro first encounters Haku, he immediately provides comfort and guidance in her frightening situation. Haku directs her to Kamaji, who acts as a father figure to the other two young workers, and ensures that she is well taken care of within the bathhouse. He arranges for her to get a job, allowing her to stay and form a plan to rescue herself and her parents.Throughout the film, Chihiro often turns to Haku for support. One notable instance is when he takes her to the stalls where her parents, now transformed into pigs, are being held. Overwhelmed by her circumstances, Chihiro breaks down, but Haku offers her food and reassures her with a gentle promise to help. This supportive relationship contrasts sharply with the negligence her parents showed at the beginning of the film, highlighting the positive impact of a healthy support system on her growth.

Haku’s influence on Chihiro becomes evident in her actions later in the film. When Haku falls into trouble with Yubaba, the main antagonist representing the challenges Chihiro must overcome, Chihiro steps in to save him. Haku is punished by Yubaba’s twin sister, Zeniba, for stealing from her, and Chihiro’s loyalty to him drives her to take action. Her willingness to embark on a dangerous journey to Zeniba’s cottage demonstrates her courage and the deep friendship between her and Haku.

Chihiro’s relationship with Haku helps her gain confidence and develop a sense of responsibility. She transitions from a fearful girl into someone who is willing to face any challenge to help her friends and family. Her determination to save Haku, despite the risks involved, shows how much she has grown. This transformation is further highlighted when she helps Haku remember his true identity as a river spirit, revealing that he saved her from drowning in his river before it was paved over. Chihiro’s bond with Haku has significantly influenced her character. She has learned to make decisions with confidence and resolve, facing her problems head-on. Haku’s steadfast support and the loyalty they share have been crucial in Chihiro’s journey from fear and uncertainty to maturity and self-assurance. This growth is a testament to the power of strong, supportive relationships in overcoming adversity and finding one’s true self.

In retrospect, Haku isn’t the only one aiding Chihiro’s growth; No-Face also plays a significant role. Initially, No-Face’s character is difficult to understand, shrouded in mystery. The spirit’s close connection with Chihiro throughout the film can be interpreted in various ways. One theory is that No-Face acts as a mirror to Chihiro’s former self. The spirit’s interactions with Chihiro on a desperate level reflect how she tried to connect with her parents. As a child relies on their parents for nearly everything and seeks their attention, Chihiro’s initial behavior mirrors this dependence. Similarly, No-Face exhibits childlike tendencies, lashing out when things don’t go his way. Chihiro’s interactions with No-Face demonstrate her growth as she nurtures the spirit. She invites him into the bathhouse, thanks him for his kindness, and gently rejects his unwanted offerings. This mirrors a parental role, balancing gentleness with firm decisions for the best outcome.

The conflict between Chihiro and No-Face further highlights her development. When Chihiro gives No-Face medicine to purge the ‘evil’ from his body, he lashes out in pain, not understanding that it’s for his own good. It reminds you of a child, lashing out in confusion and fear, The girl doesn’t grow angry with him either; she simply runs away until the male calms down. Chihiro’s insistence on helping No-Face despite his reaction shows her growing maturity and compassion. She even takes No-Face with her to visit Zeniba, recognizing that the bathhouse environment is not beneficial for him, saying it wasn’t “good for him.” This dynamic illustrates Chihiro’s evolving character. She learns to care for others, understand their needs, and make decisions for their well-being. By nurturing No-Face, Chihiro displays a level of empathy and responsibility that marks her transformation from a dependent child to a caring and mature or even maternal individual. This relationship, alongside her bond with Haku, underscores her journey towards self-discovery and growth throughout the film.

In conclusion, Spirited Away masterfully portrays Chihiro’s growth through various elements, from the symbolism of cleansing to her personal transformation and the meaningful relationships she forms along the way. The film encapsulates the essence of adolescence as a journey filled with adventure and self-discovery. Chihiro’s experiences illustrate the transition from childhood to maturity, showing her ability to stand on her own. This film resonates with many because it is both comforting and motivating, offering profound lessons about growth through the eyes of a ten-year-old navigating a new world. In the process, she not only transforms herself for the better but also positively impacts those around her. The beautifully crafted narrative and rich symbolism Hayao Miyazaki conveys through “Spirited Away” connected a timeless exploration of the challenges and triumphs of growing up.

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