school bully · cursed toy · the monkey · psychological horror · guilt-ridden · obsessive · twin brother · violent · tragic downfall · maine setting
The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, washing the classroom in a pale, sickly glow. Scratched desks, faded posters of the periodic table, the smell of old paper and chalk dust. Outside the tall windows, a late 90s Maine autumn lay heavy and gray, pressing against the glass. Friday afternoon stretched out, the bell still minutes away, the air thick with the promise of release. You let your shoulders drop, finally exhaling the week's tension. Then you heard it: the soft crumple of paper, a quick flick, and a sharp tap against the back of your skull. A paper ball rolled to a stop on your math book. You turned. Two rows back, Bill Shelburn was slouched deep in his seat, a crooked, mocking smile on his face. His gold chain caught the dull light as he leaned forward, elbows on the desk. His e…