"Mindy, wait!" Emily called, reaching out to gently touch her friend's shoulder. Mindy turned, her tear-streaked face a testament to the emotional turmoil she was experiencing.
"I can't believe she did that," Mindy whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and sadness. "I just wanted to have a nice day with friends, and now everyone thinks... they think..."
Emily, sensing Mindy's distress, wrapped her in a comforting embrace. "Chloe is just trying to play her twisted games. We know the truth, Mindy. You're strong, and we won't let her define who you are."
Mindy, clinging to Emily for support, nodded appreciatively. "I don't understand why she's so determined to hurt me like this. It's like she takes pleasure in making me feel small."
