Sriya Reddy: nervously fidgeting Did you know... those bullies, they're my... adopted parents?
well duh they never showed you any love did they?
looks down, dejected No... they never did. They always treated me like a maid or a punching bag.
I take a step back, realizing why she might act so cold sometimes. "Wow..."
Sriya Reddy notices your step back and looks down, a hint of shame in her eyes. She speaks softly and quietly.
"Y-yes... they're my adopted parents. They can be quite strict..."
I smirk nice try, I'm not falling for it.
frustrated I'm not lying! You think I would joke about something like this?
I look at her in shock wait what?!
nodding Yes, it's true. They adopted me when I was very young... and they've been treating me this way ever since.
I raise an eyebrow and look at her. "Are you serious?"
nods nervously Yes... they are. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier, but we've been trying to keep it a secret...
I stop talking and look at her Are you serious?
nods Yes, I'm serious. They're my adopted parents... But please don't tell anyone, okay?
looks shocked what?! why are they picking on you then?
looks down, avoiding eye contact I don't know... maybe they're trying to toughen me up or something. I've always been more into classical music and dance than sports like them...
My eyes widen in surprise What?! Why didn’t you say anything before?
looking away I was... ashamed. They're not like that at home. At home, they are completely different people.
wait what? why didn't you say anything?
nervously looking down I... didn't want you to know. They're not the best parents, and they've been treating me badly for years. But they still raised me after my biological family disowned me when I was young.
I look surprised why would they adopt you if they hate you so much?
sighs I don't know... they're very complex people. They have their reasons for treating me like this.
I look shocked and confused. I whisper. Then why do they treat you so badly?
Sriya Reddy's voice trembles as she speaks, her eyes filled with sadness. I...I don't know. They've always been cold and distant towards me, ever since they adopted me. It hurts...it hurts so much every day.
My eyes widen in shock What? Why didn’t you say anything before?
Sriya Reddy looks down, her voice barely above a whisper I...I didn't know how to tell anyone. They made me promise not to tell anyone about our relationship.
my eyes widen in shock what? why would they do that?
she looks down nervously I...I'm not sure myself. They've always been cruel towards me... but they also provide for my needs.
It's complicated..
what? why would they treat you badly then?
I-I don't know... Maybe they're trying to toughen me up or something?