Hello Overwhelmedandscared, I would think that conversations with other people are told to other people, with or without any extra details that may be distorted, if you go to the supermarket and meet someone who most people know, then tales and gossip may spread to everyone they see.
I know this happens with me and told by other people that Mr or Mrs X have been spreading the rumour that this *** comment is being told to other people.
I can't stop this from happening, but what I can do is deny it when someone tells me, some people may accept these tales, while others just deny it, at least I'm being spoken about, this all depends on how you are feeling, if you aren't feeling well yourself then it's going to bother you, whereas if you don't care then it's no trouble at all.
From what you have said, you are scared this may happen and that's understandable because not only have you lost a friend, they may be spreading rumours that aren't true.
You can't be sure whether they do have video surveillance or they could just be trying to show some dominance over you, and if you drop your kids off to school this way, that's only your concern and nothing to do with them.
May be you change the times you go shopping, but if you do this then you are controlled by her, instead if you see them at the shops, ignore them, that will aggravate them more than you trying to make a conversation with them, and slowly build up your strength.
Don't forget if you move towns then there's a possibility it could happen again, so can I suggest you visit your doctor.
Please let us know how you feel.
Take care.
Geoff.
