[How could your parents raise someone like you? Shame on them. Do the world a favor and disappear!]
[See? Education doesn't mean anything anymore. Women like you are just trash with a degree. Even if you threw yourself at someone, no one would want you!]
It got worse.
Someone dug up my student ID and even tracked down my advisor. Then they turned their pitchforks toward my university, demanding a 'full cleanup.'
By the next morning, my phone rang.
I didn't even need to check the screen. I already knew that it was my counselor, Ms. Brooks.
"Therese," she said, her voice soft and careful. "The university leadership is taking this situation very seriously. I'm afraid your 'Outstanding Graduate' title might be revoked."
I felt my fingers tighten around the phone. My throat went dry like I'd swallowed sand.
"Ms. Brooks, I didn't make those purchases."
There was a pause. Then a long, drawn-out sigh.
"I know," Ms. Brooks said quietly. "But public opinion is spiraling, and the school's image is on the line. Plus, there's pressure coming from the board."
And just like that, it all clicked.