The Rising Action:
1. The Introduction of the Conflict: The story begins with Annabel's struggle to deal with her parents' divorce, her mother's new relationship, and her feelings of isolation and loneliness. She feels disconnected from her friends and doesn't know how to cope with her emotions.
2. Meeting Owen: Annabel's chance meeting with Owen at a party leads to a connection. Owen is also dealing with his own personal struggles, including the recent death of his father. This creates a common ground for them and a sense of understanding.
3. The Growing Relationship: Their friendship quickly develops into a romantic relationship, offering Annabel a temporary escape from her problems.
4. The First Obstacle: Annabel's close friend, Audra, is threatened by Annabel's new relationship with Owen. This causes a rift between the two friends and adds to Annabel's emotional burden.
5. Further Complications: Annabel faces further challenges with her parents' divorce. Her mother's new boyfriend, Mark, becomes a source of conflict, and Annabel struggles to accept him.
6. Owen's Secret: Owen confides in Annabel about his traumatic experiences, leading to a deeper connection between them but also revealing the complexity of his own past.
7. Annabel's Decision: Faced with mounting pressure from her friends, family, and her own internal struggles, Annabel makes a difficult decision about her relationship with Owen. She chooses to end things, believing it's for the best.
The Climax:
The climax occurs when Annabel breaks up with Owen. This decision is fueled by the weight of her emotional baggage, the pressure from her friends, and her own fear of being hurt. This action signifies the peak of the conflict in the story.
Important Note: The rising action in "Just Listen" is carefully woven with character development. Annabel's journey is one of self-discovery, learning to listen to herself, and finding her own voice. The rising action is not just about plot events but also about the internal struggles and changes she experiences.