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Try

As the weeks turned into a blur of online classes and video calls, Jane found herself settling into a new routine. Though she had been granted the chance to attend school online, the lingering hurt from her fallout with Adaline weighed heavily on her heart. Despite the convenience of learning from home, the absence of her friend in her life cast a shadow over her experience.

Initially, Jane had hoped that being online would provide her with opportunities to reconnect with Adaline. She imagined sending messages during breaks, sharing inside jokes, and perhaps even patching things up. But as days turned into weeks, Jane found herself becoming increasingly withdrawn. The excitement of online schooling quickly faded, replaced by a sense of isolation that felt suffocating.

Each day, she would log in to her classes, but her heart wasn't truly in it. The vibrant discussions that once fueled her passion for learning now fell flat. The screen felt cold and distant, a stark contrast to the lively interactions she had enjoyed with her classmates before the fallout. Jane would often find herself staring blankly at her notes, her mind wandering back to memories of Adaline and the laughter they had shared.

Her mom noticed the change in her daughter's demeanor. "Jane, you seem a bit down lately," she said one evening, concern etched on her face. "Is everything okay with your classes?"

"Yeah, I'm just... tired, I guess," Jane replied, forcing a smile. "It's different doing everything online. I'm still getting used to it."

But the truth was that Jane was far from okay. The emotional toll of her friendship with Adaline weighed heavily on her, and the thought of reaching out felt daunting. Each time she contemplated sending a message or trying to arrange a video call, doubt crept in. What if Adaline didn't want to talk? What if their friendship was irreparably broken?

Days turned into weeks, and Jane found herself skipping classes more frequently, choosing to retreat into her room rather than face the reality of her situation. The online platform that was meant to connect her with her education and peers became a source of anxiety instead. She told herself it was easier to avoid it all, to hide away rather than confront the painful truths that lingered in her heart.

Eventually, Jane stopped logging in altogether. The thought of facing her classes without Adaline by her side felt unbearable. She would sit in her room, scrolling through social media or watching endless videos, trying to fill the void that had grown within her. Her mom grew increasingly concerned, but Jane deflected her inquiries, insisting she just needed some time.

As the weeks passed, Jane felt a growing sense of despair. The isolation was suffocating, and she could no longer ignore the emptiness that filled her days. She missed the companionship, the understanding, and the shared dreams that had once defined her friendship with Adaline. The fear of reaching out had become a barrier that felt insurmountable.

One evening, sitting alone in her dimly lit room, Jane reflected on the choices she had made. The pain of losing Adaline had become a constant ache, and she realized that avoiding her feelings wasn't a solution; it was a way of prolonging her suffering. The desire to reconnect with Adaline swelled within her, but the fear of rejection held her captive.

In that moment, Jane made a decision. She couldn't keep running away from her feelings or the possibility of mending their friendship. It was time to face the music, to confront her emotions and reach out to Adaline. With a newfound sense of determination, she picked up her phone, ready to take the first step toward healing the rift that had formed between them. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she owed it to herself—and to Adaline—to try.