-willow tree-

Goobye

As the weeks rolled by, the nights beneath the willow tree turned into a haunting silence for Adaline. She would arrive each evening, hopeful yet anxious, only to find the space empty and devoid of Jane's familiar presence. The first few nights, she tried to convince herself that Jane was simply busy or needed time to think. But as days turned into weeks, the reality set in—Jane wasn't coming back.

Every time Adaline approached the tree, her heart would quicken with anticipation, only to be met with disappointment. The vibrant conversations they once shared hung heavily in the air, replaced by an awkward void. She missed Jane's laughter, their shared secrets, and the comfort that came from being understood. Yet, as much as she longed for those moments, she found herself trapped in the façade she had created at school.

During the day, Adaline continued to play her role, navigating the complexities of high school life with a forced smile. She laughed with her friends, joined in their gossip, and even participated in the teasing directed at Jane, though the words felt like poison on her tongue. Each time she spoke ill of Jane, a pang of guilt would wash over her, but she buried those feelings deep, convincing herself it was necessary for her survival.

Her friends noticed the shift in her demeanor, sensing something was off. "You've been quieter lately, Adaline. Everything okay?" Sarah asked one afternoon, concern etched on her face.

"Yeah, just a lot on my mind," Adaline replied, brushing off the question. "You know how it is—school pressure and all." She offered a forced smile, and her friends nodded, satisfied with the answer, oblivious to the internal battle she was fighting.

But as the days turned into a blur of routine, the absence of Jane weighed heavily on Adaline. Each night, she would sit beneath the willow tree, staring at the spot where Jane used to sit, hoping for a glimpse of her friend. The stars twinkled above, but their brightness felt dimmer without Jane's light beside her.

On particularly difficult days, Adaline found herself longing to reach out to Jane, to text her or call her, but every time she hesitated. What would she say? How could she explain the turmoil of her heart when she had been the one to hurt Jane? The thought of facing Jane's coldness or anger filled her with dread, and so she chose silence instead.

Weeks passed, and the seasons began to change. The air grew crisper, and the leaves on the trees turned vibrant shades of orange and red. Yet, beneath the beauty of autumn, Adaline felt a growing emptiness inside her. The laughter of her friends felt hollow, and the praise she received for maintaining her social standing felt like a bitter victory. She was popular, but at what cost?

One evening, as she sat beneath the willow tree alone, the weight of her choices finally caught up with her. The cool breeze rustled the leaves, and for the first time, Adaline allowed herself to feel the full impact of Jane's absence. The realization struck her like a lightning bolt: she had sacrificed something precious for the sake of fitting in—a friendship that had once felt so genuine.

With tears brimming in her eyes, Adaline whispered into the night air, "I'm sorry, Jane. I wish I could take it all back." The words hung in the air, echoing her deep regret, but there was no response, only the sound of the wind rustling through the branches.

As the days continued to pass without Jane, Adaline felt a growing sense of desperation. She knew she had to make a choice—either continue living a lie or find a way to reach out to Jane and face the consequences of her actions. But the fear of rejection held her captive, and as she sat alone under the willow tree, she grappled with the painful reality that she may have lost her friend for good.