(Avery)
The next day at school, I noticed a change as soon as I walked in with Elias, Luca, and Jackson. No one was pointing phones at me or shouting lies. People moved around us and gave us space, like they were unsure what to do.
It was different from yesterday. Yesterday I had been the target. Today it was quiet. People still looked at us, but they quickly looked away. Whispers followed us, but no one said anything aloud.
I knew why. The press conference my parents had called yesterday had everyone talking. They had addressed the bullying directly, saying anyone who harassed me again would face consequences. That warning had clearly worked. People were cautious, careful not to cross the line.
Luca leaned closer. “Looks like they learned not to mess with us.”
Elias looked at me. “Th
