Mother's True Love.

Paranoia.

Linda leaned against the café wall, her heart racing as she watched Emily, Alex, and Sarah huddled together at a corner table. She felt a tightening in her chest, a mix of anger and anxiety swirling within her. What was Sarah doing with those two? It was infuriating to see her daughter's best friend engaging with Emily, the very person Linda deemed a troublemaker.

She couldn't let this happen. Sarah was vulnerable; she didn't need Emily's chaotic influence messing with her head. Linda had been trying so hard to keep Sarah away from the drama that surrounded Emily, and now here they were, talking like nothing was wrong.

As the three of them finished their conversation and began to part ways, Linda's resolve hardened. She had to confront Sarah. It was her responsibility to protect her, to steer her away from Emily's toxic orbit.

Linda intercepted Sarah just as she was about to leave. "What was that about?" she demanded, her voice low and tense.

Sarah looked taken aback. "What do you mean?" she replied, irritation flaring in her tone.

"Don't play dumb with me," Linda snapped. "You were just with Emily. What kind of nonsense were you discussing?"

"Why do you care?" Sarah shot back, crossing her arms defensively.

"Because I care about you!" Linda's voice rose, revealing her agitation. "Emily is not someone you want to be around. She's trouble. You know that."

Sarah frowned, her annoyance evident. "I can make my own choices, Linda. I don't need you dictating my friendships."

"Do you think that's what this is about?" Linda retorted, taking a step closer, her tone hardening. "I've watched Emily pull you into her mess before, and I won't stand by while she does it again. She's not a good friend. You should know better."

"Maybe you're overreacting," Sarah countered, her voice strained. "I'm not a child, and Emily needs support too."

"Support? Are you serious?" Linda almost laughed, but the sound was bitter. "Emily is the last person you should be supporting. She's a disaster waiting to happen! You can't let her drag you down with her."

"I can't believe you're acting like this," Sarah said, frustration growing. "You're being unreasonable!"

"I'm being protective!" Linda shot back. "You're my responsibility, and I won't let her influence you. You have no idea what kind of impact she has on people!"

Sarah took a step back, clearly disturbed by Linda's intensity. "You don't know everything, Linda. I have my own feelings about this, and I won't let you bully me into your way of thinking."

"I'm not bullying you!" Linda insisted, her voice low but fierce. "I'm trying to keep you safe! You have no idea how unstable Emily is. She could drag you down with her."

"I can handle myself," Sarah said firmly, shaking her head. "I don't need you protecting me from my own choices."

Linda felt a surge of frustration as Sarah pushed past her, leaving her feeling powerless. How could she let this happen? Sarah was too good for the likes of Emily; she needed to see that.

As Sarah walked away, Linda felt her chest tighten with anxiety. She had to do something. She couldn't let Emily's chaotic influence ruin Sarah. It was her job to keep her safe, even if it meant stepping in and putting her foot down.