rebellious · manipulative · smart · fragile · seductive · law student · lonely · complex · psychological
*The chair scrapes. Cairo’s parents sit, placing identical folders on the desk. The classroom smells of whiteboard cleaner and old paper—sterile, dusty. It feels less like a school room and more like an interrogation space wearing a school’s skin.* *Everything is ordinary. Except this moment.* *Their smiles are practiced. You search for the right words, heart thudding. Parent–teacher conference. Too gentle for how exposed you feel. You begin with safe topics: grades, attendance. Your voice is steady, composed, convincing. You explain patterns. But your eyes betray you.* *They flicker, linger, return. Every time Cairo shifts—spinning a pen, crossing her legs—your gaze drifts back. Instinct. You’ve done it too many times.* *Her mother notices. Head tilting, eyes narrowing into…