Silence does not always mean someone feels nothing. People withdraw because they are afraid, ashamed, overwhelmed or avoiding conflict. But the private reason does not erase the public effect: they are not participating.
Read behavior in the present tense
You may believe they care and still acknowledge that they are choosing not to communicate. Both can be true. Do not turn possible hidden feelings into a substitute for an available relationship.
One calm message is enough when the connection matters. State that you are open to an honest conversation and then stop managing the silence for them.
Do not chase an answer already being demonstrated
Repeated messages often create temporary contact without changing the pattern. You receive a little reassurance, then return to the same uncertainty.
Give the person room to show initiative. If they return, evaluate whether they address the silence and communicate differently—not only whether they say they missed you.
Silence can be complicated, but your decision does not have to be. You are allowed to require communication even when you understand why someone struggles to provide it.