-willow tree-

mom.

Tears streamed down Jane's face as she raced back home, her heart pounding in her chest. The weight of what had just happened pressed down on her, and a mix of fear and determination fueled her steps. She burst through the front door, calling for her mother, desperation lacing her voice.

"Mom! We need to save Adaline!" Jane cried, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Her mom rushed into the room, concern etched on her face as she took in Jane's distressed appearance.

"What happened, sweetie?" her mom asked, her voice calm yet filled with worry.

Jane struggled to compose herself, the emotions crashing over her like waves. "I kissed her, Mom. I love Adaline, and her dad is going to send her to conversion camp!" The words tumbled out in a rush, her heart racing as she admitted, "I'm a lesbian. I love her, and I can't let them take her away!"

Her mother's expression shifted, a mix of understanding and concern flickering in her eyes. "I know you love her, Jane," she began gently. "But... I also know how difficult this situation is. I accept you, and I love you for who you are, but there may not be anything we can do to stop this."

Jane felt a wave of frustration wash over her. "But she needs us! We can't just let them do this to her!"

"I wish we could, honey," her mom replied, her voice softening. "But Adaline's father is adamant about his beliefs. He's in a position of power over her, and it's going to take more than just our love to change his mind."

"No! We have to fight for her!" Jane insisted, her eyes blazing with determination. "If we don't stand up against this, who will? It's not right!"

Jane's mother sighed, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. "I understand your passion, but we have to be careful. Sometimes, confronting those who are set in their ways can make things worse."

Jane's heart sank, feeling the hopelessness of their situation settle like a heavy blanket. "But I can't just sit back and do nothing," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Adaline deserves to be loved for who she is."

Her mother pulled her into a comforting embrace, whispering words of support and love. "I believe in you, Jane. You have to find a way to keep fighting, even if it seems impossible. We'll figure this out together."

As Jane leaned into her mom's warmth, she felt a flicker of hope amidst the despair. She knew that she wouldn't give up on Adaline, no matter the challenges ahead. Together, they would find a way to fight for their love, one step at a time. Determined and fueled by a sense of urgency, Jane ran through the familiar streets, her mind focused on one goal: reaching Adaline's house before it was too late. She had memorized the path to Adaline's home, her heart racing with each step as she recalled the way they would walk together, laughing and sharing secrets.

As she approached the house, Jane's breath came in quick bursts. She could see Adaline's front door in the distance, and her resolve hardened. She pushed through the gate and sprinted up the pathway, her heart pounding in her chest.

Without stopping to knock, Jane reached the door and burst through it, her adrenaline propelling her forward. To her shock, she found Adaline's father standing in the doorway, a stern expression etched across his face as he ordered Adaline to pack her things. Boxes lay strewn about the living room, a clear indication of the impending separation.

"Adaline!" Jane shouted, her voice ringing with urgency. "Stop! You can't do this!"

Adaline looked up, her eyes wide with surprise and fear. "Jane! What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice trembling as she paused in the midst of packing a small bag.

"Your dad can't send you to that camp! We have to fight this!" Jane pleaded, taking a step closer, her heart aching at the sight of Adaline's distress.

Adaline's father stepped forward, blocking Jane's path, his demeanor hardening. "You need to leave, Jane. This is none of your business. Adaline is going to do what's best for her."

Jane's heart raced as she faced him, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her. "No! It is my business! Adaline deserves to be loved for who she is, not forced into something she isn't!"

Adaline's father leaned closer, his voice low and menacing. "You don't know what you're talking about. I'm doing this for her own good. This is a phase, and she needs to understand that."

Jane clenched her fists, refusing to back down. "This isn't a phase! It's who she is, and you can't take that away from her! You can't control her life!"

Adaline stood frozen, caught between the love she felt for Jane and the fear of her father's wrath. "Dad, please," she said softly, "I don't want this. I love Jane."

At her words, Jane felt a renewed wave of hope. "See? You can't separate us. We're in this together!"

But her father's expression hardened further, and Jane could see the resolve in his eyes. "You don't know what you're asking for, Adaline. This is for your own good, and it's time you learned that."

As the tension in the room thickened, Jane knew that time was running out. She had to find a way to stand up against this injustice, not just for herself but for the love they both shared.

With her heart racing and determination burning bright, Jane resolved to fight for Adaline, no matter the cost.