Problem: Melody Brooks, a middle school student, is worried that her best friend, Rose Howard, is withdrawing from her. Rose is spending more time with a group of popular kids and seems less interested in talking to Melody.

Solution: Melody decides to confront Rose about what is happening. She tells Rose that she feels like Rose is pulling away and that she is feeling hurt. Rose explains that she is just feeling a little lost and that she is not trying to exclude Melody. The two friends reconcile and agree to make more time for each other.