Now, back in the present, nothing seemed different, yet Monica couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. She ignored it at first, but then the whispers started.
People were talking—about her. About the picture.
It wasn't inappropriate, but the fact that it was being passed around among Josh's classmates made her stomach twist. Worse, they were making fun of her.
Then Nana pulled her aside one day. "Monica… I need to tell you something. Your picture—it's been going around."
Monica nodded slowly. "I know."
Nana blinked. "You… already know?"
Monica exhaled, glancing around the classroom. "I could tell. The way they whisper when I walk past. The way they glance at me and then look away. It wasn't hard to figure out."
Nana's expression softened. "Why didn't you say anything?"
Monica forced a small smile. "What difference would it make?"
"Also," Nana frowned, "I don't get why you still trust Josh after all this. His phone's clearly not broken."
Monica hesitated. "Maybe it really is."
Nana gave her a look. "For over a month? Be serious."
Monica bit her lip. "I just… I don't want to believe he'd lie to me."
She was so dumb, wasn't she?