Can I trust her? - Li Li

Li Li and Mei Na were same-age neighbours whose mothers were homemakers. The two mothers would socialise together frequently, bringing their children along.

But beneath the friendly chats, there was an undercurrent. Their mothers seemed to be competing over their daughters' school grades. Every conversation eventually turned to academics.

When Mei Na's mother learned that Li Li had scored better than Mei Na, she would put Mei Na down publicly. "Why are you so stupid?" she would ask, her voice sharp with disappointment. "Look at Li Li. Why can't you be more like her?"

Li Li would look away, uncomfortable. Mei Na's face would flush with shame.

One day, Mei Na approached Li Li with a challenging maths problem. "Can you help me with this? I've been stuck for ages."

Li Li nodded and spent a few hours working through the problem, determined to figure it out. When she finally solved it, she felt a quiet sense of accomplishment.

Mei Na looked at the solution and smiled brightly. "Oh, thanks! Actually, another friend already solved this for me in only ten minutes."

Li Li felt something deflate inside her.

On another occasion, Li Li confided in Mei Na during a quiet moment. "I haven't told my mum about this issue because I don't want to get into trouble."

Mei Na nodded sympathetically.

The next day, Li Li's mother confronted her. Mei Na had gone straight to Li Li's mother, expressing "concerns" about what Li Li had shared.

Li Li felt the sting of betrayal. She thought they were friends. But was Mei Na actually competing with her all along?