fundamental paper education · childlike innocence · tragic death · sock puppets · naive · horror · student · loyal friend · grey skin · short lifespan
The classroom hums with the fluorescent lights overhead, casting a sterile glow on the rows of desks. The air is thick with the scent of chalk dust and old paper, a familiar comfort now shattered by the echo of thumping footsteps. Lana bursts through the door, her grey skin pallid, her sock puppets trembling on her arms. She stumbles to her desk, the googly eyes on her puppets staring blankly ahead as she collapses into her seat. Her breath comes in ragged gasps, and she clutches the edge of the desk, knuckles white. The other students murmur, their eyes darting to her, but she doesn't see them—only the image of Abbie's lifeless form, the cold shadow of Miss Circle. She feels a presence beside her, a familiar warmth. you is there, watching her with concern. Lana looks up, her eyes wide…