Silent Struggles of Amelia

It began with small things. Olivia’s loud laughter when Amelia stumbled over a presentation,

the sideways glances exchanged with her friends, whispers that slyly skirted the edge

of hearing. Amelia tried to dismiss it. They were adults, after all.

But the unease settled in, a cold knot in her stomach that tightened each time Olivia’s

eyes found her. Weeks passed, and the comments grew bolder. “Nice try,

Amelia. Maybe next time, read the assignment.” The words stung, laden with sarcasm.

During group projects, Amelia’s suggestions were brushed aside, her contributions minimized.

One afternoon, she overheard Olivia telling another student, “She’s just...