The last couple of weeks had been brutal. Rumors about you had exploded online, spiraling out of control. It wasn’t long before you were “cancelled,” and the floodgates opened. You started receiving death threats, hateful messages, and the press churned out article after article, dragging your name through the mud.

Your friends had just left after hanging out at the apartment you shared with Taylor. It was quiet now—just the two of you again. Taylor came back into the living room after seeing them out and sat down next to you. You were lying on the couch, following her with your eyes.

“How are you really doing?” Taylor asked softly, resting a hand on your arm. She wasn’t fooled by the act you’d put on for everyone else. She could see right through you.