Leo and Alex were close friends. They had been friends since childhood, sharing countless memories, and growing up side by side. They were as close as siblings, sharing countless happy moments and supporting each other through thick and thin. However, one fateful day, a misunderstanding tore them apart, leaving their friendship in shreds.

Leo was a die-hard fan of the local football team, the Metropolis Eagles, while Alex was passionate about the city’s rival team, the Metrostars. Their differing loyalties often led to lively debates and friendly jokes, but it never affected their friendship. Until one fateful game day.

The Metropolis Eagles were playing against the Metrostars, and Leo and Alex were both determined to watch the game together. However, when the game got intense and the score was tied, Leo’s and Alex’s passions boiled over. Leo accused Alex of favoring the other team, while Alex felt Leo was being unreasonably stubborn. The argument escalated (升级) quickly, and words were exchanged that neither of them would soon forget. “You’ve gone too far. I don’t want to see you again,” thundered Leo. Both friends were left feeling hurt and disappointed.

The next day, there were heated discussions about the game, but Leo and Alex avoided each other like the plague (瘟疫). Leo deeply regretted what he had said and wanted to apologize, but pride got in the way. Weeks passed, and the silence between them grew deafening.

One day, while walking home from school, Leo came across a lost dog. He couldn’t help but notice the collar around the dog’s neck, with a tag that read “Alex’s Best Friend.” Leo realized this dog was Alex’s.

Grace and Ellen, both promising in their school’s dance competition, were fierce competitors. They both had great passion for dancing and dreamed for bigger stages. They were both friends and competitors. They had similar taste in music, and had similar dressing styles. Even they wore shoes of the same size. They had both committed themselves to preparing for the upcoming contest.

Grace’s journey to the competition was marked by countless hours of practice and determination. She would rise before the sun, and the studio lights were her only company. Every movement was perfected with unwavering commitment. She knew that this competition wasn’t just about personal success; it was also about upholding her school’s honor. “Grace, you’re incredible!” Grace’s dance instructor, Mrs. Anderson, often praised her. “Your hard work will pay off.”

Ellen had been practicing hard for this competition as well. Her love for dance was her driving force. After school, she would head straight to the dance studio, tirelessly perfecting every step and twirl. Her dance shoes had become an extension of her feet, and her heart burned with a strong desire for victory. “Ellen, you’re a natural,” her fellow dancers would often say. “You’ve got this!”

The day of the competition finally arrived, and there were five competitors fighting for the championship title. Ellen was scheduled to perform before Grace.

As Ellen stood backstage, the butterflies in her stomach seemed to have turned into a whirlwind (漩涡). She checked her dance shoes one last time and realized a huge mistake. The shoes themselves were a size too small—It turned out she took her little sister’s shoes by mistake. Panic set in as her mind raced for g solution.

“Ellen, you’re up next!” the stage manager announced.

In the dimly lit (灰暗的) backstage area, Grace overheard Ellen’s whispers to her friend, Sarah.

“I brought the wrong shoes, Sarah,” Ellen’s voice trembled (颤抖). “They are too small. What am I going to do?”

Grace’s heart sank as she overheard the conversation.

Making Friends Online