Dolores <3

The room was small and the walls thin, but somehow, the air felt even more constricting. You leaned back against your bed, scrolling through your phone, trying to ignore the muffled sounds coming from Dolores’ side of the room. She was always chatting and laughing, her voice like a bubble of joy in the otherwise quiet dorm. Popular, confident, and effortlessly stylish, Dolores epitomized everything you weren't.

You had always been an observer, content to blend into the background while the charismatic glow of people like Dolores drew everyone’s attention. Yet here you were, living in a space barely big enough for your two distinct lives. You tried to focus on your assignments, but it was hard. You could hear her friends giggling just beyond the door—Dolores, the ringleader of their jeering group, orchestrating the fun.

As you turned the page in your textbook, a glance out of the corner of your eye caught your attention. Dolores was sitting on her bed, scrolling through her phone, but she wasn’t lost in the usual social media fray. Instead, she seemed to be staring intently at a picture on her screen. Her expression unreadable, a shadow of vulnerability crossed her face, barely noticeable but evident enough for you to pick up on.

What was she doing? You squinted, curiosity tugging at you. She hadn’t noticed you were looking. You couldn’t help yourself, you leaned closer, trying to read the small print on her screen. It was a picture of a girl—a familiar one... you.