-willow tree-

Diffrent worlds

As Jane made her way back home along the dimly lit path, her mind replayed the encounter with Adeline, the warmth of their conversation lingering in her thoughts. However, as she entered the small, modest house she shared with her mother, a sense of unease washed over her. She knew her mom would have something to say about it.

"Mom, you won't believe who I met today!" Jane exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. She rushed into the living room where her mother sat, a knitting project in her hands. "There's this girl named Adeline. She's really nice, and we talked for a while under the willow tree."

Her mother looked up, eyebrows raised, but her expression quickly shifted to one of concern. "Adeline? Is she from around here?"

"Yeah, I think so. She seemed a little different, though. I think she's from a nicer part of town," Jane replied, her enthusiasm dimming slightly. "But we had a great time talking!"

Her mother sighed, putting down her knitting. "Jane, it's wonderful that you were kind to her, but you need to be careful. People like us don't really fit in with the higher class. It's best to just leave it alone."

"Why?" Jane protested, feeling a sting of disappointment. "Just because we don't have as much money doesn't mean we can't be friends with people who do."

"Sweetheart," her mother said softly, "it's not about money. It's about how people see us. We'll always be low class to them, no matter how nice we are. They have their own world, and we have ours. It's just the way things are."

Jane's heart sank at her mother's words. It felt unfair, as if she were being told to close off her heart to new possibilities. "But what if Adeline is different? What if she doesn't care about that stuff?"

Her mother reached out, squeezing Jane's hand gently. "I'm proud of you for being nice and reaching out. That's who you are, and it's a beautiful trait to have. Just remember, sometimes it's best to keep a distance. It can save you a lot of heartache."

With a heavy heart, Jane nodded, knowing her mother was trying to protect her, but feeling a sense of loss at the thought of abandoning a potential friendship.