"Not much," Emily replied, "just trying to get through the day."

"Hey, Em," Rachel said, as Emily approached. "What's up?"

"I know the feeling," Mike said, sympathetically. "I've got a math test in like 10 minutes, and I'm totally unprepared."

As the bell rang, signaling the start of class, Emily and her friends parted ways. Emily took a deep breath, preparing herself for another day of whispers and stares. But with her friends by her side, she felt ready to take on whatever came her way.