Beneath the Surface

chapter 13: slap

The news about Sarah working as a bartender spread like wildfire across the campus, reaching every corner and group of students.

Student A: "Did you hear Sarah's bartending now?"

Student B: "Seriously? I thought she was all about studying."

Student C: "Guess she's not as innocent as she pretends."

Student D: "I heard her family's struggling. Maybe she had to."

Student E: "Still, it's not exactly classy."

Student F: "I wonder what she's really up to."

The news sparked a flurry of gossip and judgment among students, each offering their perspective on Sarah's unexpected job.

In the school cafeteria, Sarah became the center of attention as students discussed the latest gossip.

Student A: "Have you heard about Sarah?"

Student B: "Yeah, I heard she's bartending now."

Student C: "Isn't that kind of... scandalous?"

Student D: "I wonder why she'd do that."

Student E: "Maybe her family needs the money."

Student F: "It's still pretty shocking."

The cafeteria buzzed with speculation and varying opinions about Sarah's new job, illustrating how quickly news traveled and sparked conversation across campus.

Some of Sarah's classmates began avoiding her as if she had leprosy, unwilling to engage or interact with her. This behavior isolated Sarah further, deepening the sense of loneliness and alienation she felt amidst the gossip and judgment.

Student A (whispering to Student B): "Hey, isn't that Sarah over there?"

Student B (quietly): "Yeah, I think so. I heard she's bartending now."

Student A: "Really? That's... unexpected."

Student B: "I know, right? People are acting like she's contagious or something."

Student A: "I guess they don't want to be associated with her."

Student B: "It's kind of harsh though, don't you think?"

Student A: "Yeah, but you know how rumors spread around here."

Their hushed conversation highlighted the discomfort and stigma surrounding Sarah's situation, reflecting the campus atmosphere filled with gossip and judgment.

Sarah sat in the corner of the room, her head bowed, avoiding the gaze of her classmates, visibly affected by the recent rumors and social ostracism. Her demeanor reflected a sense of shame and isolation amidst the circulating discussions about her employment as a bartender. This reaction is not uncommon in social settings where individuals experience perceived judgment or exclusion based on external perceptions or situational factors. Such dynamics can significantly impact individuals' sense of belonging and emotional well-being within their social environment.

After class, Lucas approached Sarah, finding her sitting alone with a solemn expression.

Lucas: "Hey, Sarah. Can we talk for a moment?"

Sarah looked up, surprised by Lucas's approach but nodded silently.

Lucas: "I heard about... well, the news. Is it true?"

Sarah hesitated, then nodded quietly.

Sarah: "Yes, it's true. I... I needed another source of income for my studies and my family."