Echoes of Empathy

New connections

I scroll through my feed, checking posts and chatting with my new online friends, Yumi and Minty. It feels nice to have people to talk to, even if they're just screen names and messages. As I scroll, a post catches my eye, something Yumi liked—a drawing. The colors and details are incredible, every line so precise as if the artist poured their heart into each stroke. As an artist myself, I can't help but feel a spark of admiration. My fingers hover over the comment box for a moment before I type:

"Hey, your art is really good ^^. Share some skills, y'know?"

The reply comes in almost instantly. "Thanks! Why don't you follow back to get the skills ;)"

I laugh a little at the cheekiness and hit the follow button. Anish_lol—that's his handle. Over the next few days, I notice he's pretty active. We like each other's posts, leaving comments here and there. But there's an unspoken rule between us—we don't DM. It's like we're both okay keeping it casual, a silent nod of acknowledgment with each post, nothing more.

Surprisingly, things at home are calmer too. The fights have dwindled, the tension easing just a little. Maybe things are finally starting to fall into place. Maybe, just maybe, I can let myself feel okay, even if it's just for now.

One day, as I'm scrolling, I see a post from Anish about his girlfriend. He's hosting a competition for her upcoming birthday, calling for art submissions as a tribute. The best piece will win a prize, and he's hyped about making her day extra special. A competitive spark flares up inside me, and I wonder, Could I actually win this?

Before I make up my mind, a notification pops up—a DM from Anish. It's our first one.

"Hey, I think you should participate in the competition I'm holding. You've got serious skills."

I sense a smile on my face.  His message is so direct, almost flattering. I type back quickly, trying to keep it cool.

"Ah... I was actually thinking about it. Sure, I'll participate!"

We chat a bit, and I ask him a few questions about his girlfriend's favorite colors and style. But after a couple of questions, I sense he's getting a bit annoyed—maybe I'm overthinking it.

After a few days of sketching and perfecting the piece, I finally submit it to the competition. Anish comments on my entry, "Your art is good. Good luck :)"

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I don't like school, I think to myself, tugging on my uniform as I get ready for the start of a new academic session. It's a mix of excitement and dread, though mostly, I worry about losing friends again. Thankfully, I have my best friend, Tessa. She's been with me for two years, a constant in a world of people who come and go. I hope she'll stay.

When I arrive at the classroom, I scan the room, but Tessa hasn't shown up yet. This year, the desks have been switched to three-seaters, and most spots are already taken. Near the window, there's a bench with only one person sitting there—Winter. She's a bit quiet and reserved, but I remember her from last year.

I walk over, putting on a friendly smile. "Hey, can my friend and I sit with you?"

Winter looks up, surprised but open. "Oh, yeah, sure!"

I place my bag down beside her and sit, saving a spot for Tessa. When she finally arrives, I wave her over. "I'll take the aisle seat," she tells me, and I settle in the middle while Winter remains by the window.

As class begins, I spot Iri at the desk behind us. She's the girl who made my life miserable in fifth grade by telling a guy my weight, which led to a wave of teasing. The memory stings and I've never quite forgiven her. Now, she's sitting right behind Winter, poking her with a divider whenever she thinks the teacher isn't looking. Winter's reactions are so over-the-top—flinching and glaring—that I can't help but chuckle a little.

But as the day goes on, I start noticing something else. Tessa and Winter seem to be hitting it off, whispering and laughing together. I try joining in, but their conversation flows so easily that I feel like a third wheel. It's strange and uncomfortable, watching them bond so quickly.

Eventually, Winter turns to me, her expression annoyed. "Hey, Alisha, can we switch seats? I don't like getting poked by Iri."

"Oh... sure," I reply, hiding my disappointment.

Now, I'm by the window, feeling like an outsider as Winter and Tessa chatter like old friends. I lean my head against my hand, staring outside, trying to ignore the feeling of being left out. Suddenly, I feel a poke on my back. It's Iri. I sigh, resisting the urge to react.

When the bell rings for a break, I hope Tessa might invite me to join her and Winter. But they're already laughing together, lost in their own world. I feel a pang of loneliness and glance around, unsure of where to go.

To my surprise, Iri and her friends are watching me. They've probably noticed I'm alone. Iri waves me over, her friends nodding with encouragement. Awkwardly, I join them, not sure what to expect. But they don't bring up the past or make a big deal about anything. Slowly, I start to relax, laughing at their jokes, sharing stories, and enjoying the moment.

For the first time in a while, I feel light. Maybe things aren't as simple as I thought. Today might not have gone as expected, but I've found a new perspective in the most unlikely place.

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After school, I check my phone and notice something surprising—Anish has set my artwork as his display picture. I get caught off guard. I stare at the screen, half-pleased, half-confused. It feels strange seeing my art there, out in the open, representing him.

Without thinking, I send him a DM:
"Hey, why'd you put my art as your DP?"

A few seconds later, his reply pops up.
"I liked your art."

I blink at his message, a small smile creeping onto my face. Well, that was...unexpected.