The weight of the morning pressed on me like a suffocating blanket. The whispers started as soon as I entered the school building, a low hum of speculation and judgment following me down the hall.
I’d barely managed to get through my classes, each second dragging on endlessly, and now it was lunchtime.
The cafeteria, usually loud and chaotic, seemed quieter as I stepped inside. My skin prickled with awareness, and sure enough, heads turned toward me.
Conversations turned into hushed tones, but the pointed stares said enough.
“She’s the one who went after Jenny, right?”
“I heard she has always been a bully but she pretended to be nice.”
“Did you see her face? I think Jenny cried!”
I clenched my fists, trying to block out their words. My chest burned with anger and embarra
