Some sounded affectionate. Others were unsettling.
“Once you get this done, nobody will have anything to say about your pictures.”
Another said, “You’ll finally be able to walk into a room without worrying what people think.”
Then one message caught my attention.
“After surgery, we can finally start going out with everyone again.”
“What does he mean by finally?” I asked.
“We haven’t gone out much lately.”
“Why?”
“Ryan thought it would be better until the bullying stopped.”
“Did he stop going out too?”
“No. They weren’t making fun of him.”
I examined her expression.
“If Ryan loves you as you are, why does he keep talking about how much better things will be after you change?”
“You’re twisting his words.”
She reclaimed her phone.
Something about Ryan’s encouragement felt wrong.
The following day, Emily mentioned she’d fallen out with Maya, her former best friend, after Maya criticized Ryan.
