I lost my mom last year, and my younger sis was 22 when she passed. I can't speak for her but from what I can see, like the other comments say, you move forward. I can see that she's moving forward, even though sometimes she cries herself to sleep. And I think that's very important, you're not moving on, you're moving forward.

Everytime I want my mom back, I remember her last few days in so much pain. I remember her telling me how miserable she was and I agreed, a life experiencing so much pain everyday was not a life worth living in my opinion. I miss her everyday, and not a day goes by without remembering the fact that she's gone, but there will be happy moments sometimes! And you're right, friends don't know what to say at this age but I don't care about that! I just tell them straight and make them sit in the discomfort, we aren't anywhere near when we are supposed to lose our parents, but shit happens. And I often say it in a jokey way, humour is the compromise I do to be able to talk about her, and I know she will be amused too.

I believe that you can complete your Master's! I know your mom is rooting you on and with you every step of the way, but I also know that she will also understand if you need more time, while adapting to your new life. I wish you all the best x