Before we start, just a quick disclaimer: this story took place on 9-5-24 (or yesterday for me). I want to let you know that this post contains a few mentions of sensitive topics like self-harm and suicide (about 3-4 words in total). If these topics are something you’re uncomfortable with, I completely understand if you want to skip this blog. I’m not here to upset anyone, and I’m definitely not trying to hurt anyone with what I write. Also, out of respect, I won’t be using any names—even though, honestly, some of the people involved don’t really deserve that kind of respect. But hey, we move on. So, let’s get into it.

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So, there I was in my last class of the day—P.E., or gym class. Now, for those who don’t know, our gym is split into two sections. There’s the main gym, where most people hang out, either playing basketball or just chatting. It’s the bigger, louder part of the gym, and it’s where people go to be social or get involved in whatever games are going on.

Then there’s the weight room, which is much quieter. That’s where people go to lift weights and work out. It’s smaller, more focused, and you’re less likely to run into large groups of people. That’s where I was. I tend to prefer working out alone, honestly—it gives me time to clear my head and focus on myself without any distractions. That being said, I don’t mind working out with people I’m close to, but being alone in the weight room is usually a nice escape from the chaos of the main gym.

Anyway, I was in the middle of my workout, just minding my own business, when someone walked in. Unfortunately, it was someone I really don’t like—let’s just say she’s not exactly my favorite person. Now, normally, when someone like that comes in, I just try to ignore them and keep doing my thing. It’s easier than dealing with unnecessary drama. But right behind her came her friend, who I don’t have any issues with. She’s actually pretty new to the school, so I gave her a quick hello as a polite gesture.

Everything was fine until the girl I dislike started talking. And, surprise, surprise, she wasn’t exactly friendly. She started throwing insults at me right off the bat, saying things like how I was “fat” (which, for the record, I’m not... T-T). At first, I tried to brush it off. I mean, what else can you do, right? She’s said stuff like that before, and honestly, it’s lost its sting. But then she crossed a line—she told me to kill myself.

Now, as messed up as that is, it wasn’t exactly the first time she’s said something like that to me. She’s always had this weird need to say the cruelest things she can think of, and by now, I’ve gotten used to tuning it out. But here’s where things got a little different—her friend, the one who walked in with her, actually seemed taken aback by what she said. She wasn’t cool with it at all.

Her friend looked at me and said something like, “You’re not fat at all. You actually look really buff.” Now, I wouldn’t exactly say I’m super buff or anything, but hearing someone stand up for me was a nice change of pace. She even asked if I was bulking, which was kind of funny because, no, I’m not bulking up or anything like that. T-T But the fact that she said something nice, even though her friend was being so toxic, really made a difference in that moment. It kind of gave me hope that not everyone is like her.

What really surprised me was that her friend looked genuinely upset with her for saying those things. You could tell she wasn’t okay with the insults and the cruelty, and for a second, it looked like there was going to be some tension between the two of them. I didn’t expect her friend to step up like that, but I’m glad she did. After a few more awkward moments, they ended up leaving the weight room, and I was finally left alone to finish my workout in peace.

It was one of those moments that stick with you—not because of what the toxic girl said (I’m used to that by now), but because someone actually stood up and didn’t let it slide. It’s so rare to see people call out that kind of behavior, and it reminded me that not everyone out there is cruel. Some people actually care about how others are treated, and that’s something I don’t take for granted.