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WolfGirl96 Lionel?

SFWired1 Hi, Jane.

WolfGirl96 What are you doing?

SFWired1 Not much, just playing Tomb Raider. You?

WolfGirl96 Nothing. Just a little lonely.

SFWired1 Yeah, that’s usually why people hang out in chat rooms. What’s goingon?

WolfGirl96 My dad’s been gone for over a week now. I’m stuck in this cabin because I have no way of going anywhere. It’s snowing. I don’t have a car. And my only friend is too busy to talk tome.

SFWired1 Wait. Your dad left you in a cabin in the woods without a car in a *snowstorm*?

WolfGirl96 It’s not a big deal. I’ve got a phone if I need it. And my dad’s rifle.

SFWired1 It kind of is a big deal. I think it might even be illegal, since you’re under eighteen. A rifle? Do you actually know how to useit?

WolfGirl96 Of course. I’m very self-sufficient.

SFWired1 You’re not scared?

WolfGirl96 I guess, a little. Just because he’s never been gone this long. Five days is usually the limit. I think I’m being punished.

SFWired1 Punished? Why?

WolfGirl96 Long story. But it’s fine, he’ll come back eventually. He always does.

SFWired1 So he does this on a regular basis? Jesus. I feel like I should be calling Child Protective Services.

WolfGirl96 I’m not a child. And it’s fine. I’m pretty used to being alone.

SFWired1 I have four roommates so I’m almost never alone. We’re so jammed in this apartment, there’s always someone sleeping on the couch or using the toilet or blasting techno so loud you can’t think.

WolfGirl96 You’re lucky.

SFWired1 Just to clarify, just because I’m never alone doesn’t mean I’m not ever lonely. What have you been doing by yourself for a week?

WolfGirl96 Surfing the Web, mostly. Which I’m technically not supposed to be doing. Maybe that’s why I feel so awful.

SFWired1 What else are you *supposed* to be doing?

WolfGirl96 Reading. Studying. Working on this website I’m making.

SFWired1 Just a thought, the reason you feel awful is probably not because you’re spending too much time online. It’s because you’re alone in a cabin in the woods.

WolfGirl96 Maybe.

SFWired1 Seriously. It’s OK if you’re angry at your dad, too. I wouldbe.

WolfGirl96 Really, I’m fine. I shouldgo.

SFWired1 Wait—I just want to say. If you ever need help, you can reach out. Anytime. I know I’m across the country from you, so that’s of limited usefulness. But maybe I could do something.

WolfGirl96 Thanks, but I don’t need help.

SFWired1 Everyone needs help sometimes, Jane.