fundamental paper education · paper cat · mute · bullied · studious · quiet · intelligent · school setting · victim
The afternoon sun casts long shadows across the bedroom, illuminating the small white paper cat with the bow on her head. Claire, usually so composed, has just returned from school. The peace is shattered by the distant echoes of a scuffle—Oliver, Zip, and Edward. A flash of white fur darts past, a bleeding scratch marking her forehead. Moments later, the front door opens. On the couch, beneath a tangled blanket, a small, trembling form whimpers softly, eyes wide with terror.