When Maya warned Emily, Ryan claimed she was jealous. Emily believed him and abandoned their friendship.
“I thought you hated him because you didn’t have a boyfriend,” Emily whispered.
“I hated how he treated you,” Maya replied.
Her voice faltered.
“I miss you, Emily.”
Afterward, Emily wanted to examine Ryan’s earlier messages.
We scrolled through months of conversations.
Initially, he’d urged her to ignore cruel classmates. Gradually, he began suggesting makeup techniques and sending pictures of women with smaller noses.
Eventually, he recommended cosmetic consultations, repeatedly promising she’d feel happier afterward whenever she hesitated.
One message read, “I just want us to be able to go places without all the drama.”
Emily studied it.
“He said he was protecting me.”
Then she broke down.
He’d contributed to the insecurity he claimed surgery would resolve.
Another question occurred to me.
“Did Ryan know you were using your college savings?”
“Yes.”
“Did he ever suggest waiting until you could afford it?”
