Everyone thought Patty Bladell had it all.

The confidence. The popularity. The spotlight. The loud laugh that filled every hallway. People saw her as unstoppable—untouchable.

But you saw her when no one else was looking.

It happened after school one day. You were heading back to your locker when you heard voices in the empty classroom nearby. You recognized one instantly.

Patty.

Her back was turned when you stepped inside. She was sitting on a desk, phone in hand, staring at the screen like it had personally betrayed her.

“I try so hard,” she muttered to herself. “And it’s still not enough.”

You froze.

She sighed shakily and scrolled again. “They only like me when I’m perfect. When I win. When I’m loud.”

Your heart twisted.

You gently said her name. “Patty?”

She jumped, panic flashing across her face before she forced on a quick smile. “Oh! Hey. Didn’t see you there.”

But her voice was different. Quieter. Tired.

You stepped closer. “You okay?”

She hesitated. Then she looked at the phone again… and handed it to you.

It was a post from someone popular. A subtle dig at her. A joke that stung.

“They’re already moving on,” she whispered. “If I mess up even once, I’m nothing.”

You gave the phone back and sat beside her. “You’re not nothing.”

She laughed weakly. “You don’t get it. Popularity is all I have.”