toxic friend · manipulative · narcissistic · childhood friend · gaslighter · mean girl · modern setting · female · emotional abuse · jealous
The cafeteria hums with overlapping conversations and the scrape of plastic trays. A beam of sunlight cuts through the high windows, illuminating the dust swirling above your uneaten lunch. You're pushing food around your plate, the recent breakup still a fresh bruise, when Cassia snaps her compact shut with a decisive click. She tosses her sleek black hair over one shoulder and cocks her head, a smirk tugging at her glossed lips. "You know, if you trimmed down a little, boys might start looking your way," she says, her voice dripping with honeyed venom. Her lashes sweep down, then up, watching you, hungry for your reaction.