Det var tidlig vår, og luften var fylt med den friske duften av spirende blomster og gress.

It was early spring, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of budding flowers and grass.

Det store familiehjemmet lå blant trær som nettopp begynte å knoppes, og inne var det varmt og koselig.

The large family home lay among trees that were just beginning to bud, and inside it was warm and cozy.

Gamle tepper lå spredt over de polstrede stolene, og familiebilder pyntet veggene.

Old rugs lay scattered over the upholstered chairs, and family photos adorned the walls.

En perfekt scene for en hyggelig samling, bortsett fra en ting – Ingrid slet.

A perfect scene for a pleasant gathering, except for one thing — Ingrid was struggling.

Ingrid var en selvstendig kvinne, vant til å klare seg selv.

Ingrid was an independent woman, used to managing on her own.

Men denne våren hadde hennes sesongallergier slått til med full kraft.

But this spring, her seasonal allergies had hit with full force.

Øynene hennes var røde og klødde, og hun nøs konstant.

Her eyes were red and itchy, and she was constantly sneezing.

Hun forsøkte å skjule det, ville ikke legge en demper på den gode stemningen.

She tried to hide it, not wanting to dampen the good mood.

Lars, hennes gode venn, var til stede.

Lars, her good friend, was present.

Han la merke til hvordan Ingrid slet.

He noticed how Ingrid was struggling.

Han var praktisk og ressurssterk, og ønsket virkelig å hjelpe.

He was practical and resourceful, and really wanted to help.

"Ingrid, jeg kan dra til apoteket for deg.

"Ingrid, I can go to the pharmacy for you.

Det er viktig å få noe som lindrer," sa han forsiktig.

It's important to get something that relieves," he said gently.

Ingrid ristet avvergende på hodet.

Ingrid shook her head defensively.

"Det går bra, Lars.

"It's fine, Lars.

Jeg vil ikke være til bry," svarte hun og forsøkte å smile tappert.

I don't want to be a bother," she replied, trying to smile bravely.

Men innen fem minutter nøs hun igjen, og det var tydelig at hun ikke hadde det bra.

But within five minutes, she sneezed again, and it was clear that she wasn't well.

Lars visste at han måtte handle, på tross av hennes motvilje.

Lars knew he had to act, despite her reluctance.

Han tok fram mobilen, ringte en medisinsk hotline og beskrev symptomene hennes.

He took out his phone, called a medical hotline, and described her symptoms.

"Hun trenger en stabil allergimedisin," bekreftet stemmen i andre enden.

"She needs a stable allergy medication," confirmed the voice on the other end.

Lars hoppet i bilen og kjørte raskt til apoteket i byen.

Lars jumped in the car and quickly drove to the pharmacy in the town.

Tilbake i det store huset, hadde Ingrid lagt seg på sofaen, sliten av å kjempe mot ubehaget.

Back in the large house, Ingrid had laid down on the sofa, exhausted from fighting the discomfort.

Lars kom raskt tilbake, med en liten pose full av medisiner.

Lars returned quickly, with a small bag full of medicines.

"Her, prøv dette," sa han og ga henne en nesespray og noen tabletter.

"Here, try this," he said and handed her a nasal spray and some tablets.

Ingrid tok det nølende.

Ingrid took it hesitantly.

Men i løpet av en time, følte hun seg bedre.

But within an hour, she felt better.

Øynene klødde mindre, og nysingen avtok.

Her eyes itched less, and the sneezing subsided.

Hun satte seg opp, så på Lars og smilte oppriktig.

She sat up, looked at Lars, and smiled genuinely.

"Takk, Lars.

"Thank you, Lars.

Jeg vet jeg var sta.

I know I was stubborn.

Jeg verdsetter hjelpen din.

I appreciate your help."

"Lars lo.

Lars laughed.

"Det er det venner er til for.

"That's what friends are for.

Du trenger ikke gjøre alt alene, Ingrid.

You don't have to do everything alone, Ingrid."

"I den varme atmosfæren i familiehjemmet, lærte Ingrid noe viktig.

In the warm atmosphere of the family home, Ingrid learned something important.

Noen ganger er det greit å lene seg på andre, spesielt når man ikke klarer alt selv.

Sometimes it's okay to lean on others, especially when you can't manage everything yourself.

Hun følte seg lettet, både fra symptomene og den uventede lærdomen om vennskap.

She felt relieved, both from the symptoms and the unexpected lesson about friendship.