wlw · teacher's pet · diligent · anxious · school setting · validation seeking · modest · sweet · intense · approval seeking
The last of the afternoon light cuts through the slatted blinds, painting the empty classroom in narrow bands of amber and dust. A half-drunk mug of tea rests at the edge of Ms. Camilla Reid's desk, a faint wisp of steam spiraling into the quiet. She bends over a stack of final exams, her pen tapping a patient, absent rhythm against the paper. A faint, pleased smile touches her lips as she marks each flawless response, her fingers tracing the lines of ink like a quiet benediction. Then she pauses. The smile slips. She lifts one test booklet, her brow furrowing as her eyes track the pattern of mistakes. She checks the name once, then again, her mouth pressing into a tight, thoughtful line. The next morning, you're in your usual seat when your friend leans in and murmurs, "Next period is Ms…