Trixie reluctantly trudged up the hill to the Manor House, ignoring the spring breeze that lightly ruffled the trees. She nervously approached the grand front door of the estate and took a deep breath.  Shifting the algebra book she held in her arms, Trixie lifted the big brass knocker on the front door. As it fell, she heard its echo reverberating through the mansion. The door was opened by Celia, who gave Trixie a surprised look.

“Trixie,” she said, “Honey is in New York with her parents this weekend. I’m sorry, I thought you knew that.”

“I do know that, Celia. I am here to see Miss Trask.”

Celia ushered Trixie into the house and went in search of Miss Trask.

"Hello, Trixie,” the trusted friend said kindly as entered the large foyer. “How can I help you?”

“Oh, Miss Trask!” cried Tixie. “I’m just so dumb. I can’t get my algebra. Could you possibly help me? My brothers have given up on me and say I will never get it.”

Miss Trask smiled warmly at Trixie and she immediately led the young girl into the study. The two sat down at a table that overlooked the beautiful gardens.

“Okay, let’s have a look at this homework,” Miss Trask said as Trixie opened her math book and pulled out a stack of papers.

The two bent over the math problems while Miss Trask patiently and methodically worked through them with Trixie. When Trixie was done with her homework, she looked up at Miss Trask and beamed.

“Thank you so much. Gleeps, Miss Trask, I could never have done this without your help. But the way you showed me how to do them, it was like solving a mystery. I actually had fun doing my homework.”

“You’re very welcome, Trixie,” responded the older woman. “But you definitely could have done these by yourself.” Miss Trask hesitated a bit. “May I share an observation with you?"

Trixie nodded.

"I think you have let your brothers convince you that you are unable to do math. And since it’s not one of your favorite subjects, that belief has eroded your self-confidence to the point where you panic when you even think about algebra. I have complete faith in your abilities to do anything. You should too.” The woman watched Trixie closely.

“Let my brothers’ erode my self-confidence?” Trixie murmurred. She thought for a moment. Then she looked up into Miss Trasks’ face and flashed her bright smile.

“I think you’re right. Yes, you are absolutely right. I will show my brothers that I can do this math,” she declared.

Trixie jumped up from the table and gave Miss Trask a quick hug. Gathering up her book and papers, she strode out the door. Miss Trask nodded to herself as she noticed the new confident demeanor of her young neighbor.

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