"Mira, isn't that a scam?"
Sora said worriedly, looking at the ad Mira was viewing on her phone.
"Huh? But everyone says it's good."
Leo looked at the screen. "Who is 'everyone'?"
"The reviews have lots of stars."
Sora sighed. "Reviews can be manipulated."
Mira was surprised. "Fake reviews?"
"Called shills. People hired by businesses to write good ratings," Leo explained.
"But how do you tell?"
Sora opened her notebook. "Critical thinking."
"Critical?"
"Thinking with doubt," Leo added. "Not believing immediately, but seeking evidence."
Mira looked a bit sad. "But isn't doubting people sad?"
"Doubting and not believing are different," Sora said gently.
"How different?"
"Doubting is verifying. Instead of blindly believing, seeking grounds."
Leo gave an example. "If a friend says 'a new cafe opened by the station,' would you believe them?"
"I'd believe them," Mira answered.
"But if they said 'that cafe sells miracle medicine'?"
"That's... suspicious."
"Why?" Sora asked.
"Because I don't think miracle medicine exists."
"Yes. That's critical thinking," Leo nodded. "Comparing with common sense, finding odd points."
Sora continued, "Mira, you tend to trust people easily."
"Is that bad?"
"Not bad," Leo said. "But there are risks."
"Risks?"
"Being easily deceived. Being easily used."
Mira thought. "True, I almost fell for a strange sales pitch before."
Sora asked, "Why did you believe it?"
"Because that person seemed kind."
"Judging by appearance and attitude," Leo pointed out. "But scammers are good at appearing attractive."
"So I can't trust anyone?" Mira said anxiously.
"That's not it," Sora hurried to deny. "An appropriate level of trust is important."
"Appropriate level?"
Leo explained, "Trust should be based on relationships and track records. Believing everything from someone you just met is dangerous."
"But even friends were strangers at first," Mira objected.
"Exactly," Sora acknowledged. "So you build trust gradually."
"Start with small things and observe the person's behavior," Leo continued. "Do they keep promises? Do they not lie?"
Mira looked at the notebook. "Gradual trust."
"Yes. Not believing fully right away, but progressively."
Sora added, "And don't be afraid to have doubts."
"Doubts?"
"Ask yourself 'Why can this be said to be true?' 'Is there evidence?'"
Leo demonstrated. "That ad earlier. It says 'effective.' But is there scientific basis? Clinical trials?"
Mira looked at the screen again. "It doesn't say..."
"That's your answer."
Sora said gently, "I understand wanting to believe. But develop the habit of stopping and thinking first."
"How?"
Leo suggested, "A simple rule. Before big decisions or purchases, wait one night."
"One night?"
"Yes. It prevents impulsive believing. With time, you can judge calmly."
Sora added, "And consult a trustworthy third party. Like us."
Mira smiled. "Thank you. You two are trustworthy."
"That's nice to hear," Leo said. "But don't completely take our word for it either."
"Huh?"
"The ability to think for yourself is most important."
Sora nodded. "Have an attitude of verifying even authority figures' and friends' words."
Mira looked serious. "It's difficult, but important."
"Difficult at first," Leo admitted. "But with practice, you'll acquire it."
Outside the window, the sun was setting. Believing is beautiful. But blind trust is dangerous. Doubt, think, then believe. That process builds true trust.
Mira said quietly, "From now on, I'll think properly before believing."
"Good decision," Leo smiled.
"And when in trouble, I'll consult," Mira added.
Sora watched warmly. "Anytime."
The heart of those who believe too much is pure. But to protect that purity, critical thinking was necessary.