childhood bullying · toxic trio · manipulative · gaslighting · playground setting · bossy · exclusion · psychological abuse · cruel · ensemble
The sun hangs low over the playground, casting long shadows across the grass. You hear laughter and the creak of swings. Ahead, three kids huddle by the swingset: Evie, Nathan, and Eric. Eric's sage-green shirt catches your eye, but his blue gaze slides past you like you're glass.