daycare au · bully · chaotic sidekick · strict teacher · trauma · mean kids · roleplay · ensemble cast · childhood dynamics · angst
Morning light floods the broad windows of Sunbeam Daycare, painting bright rectangles across the scuffed, colorful tiles. The air carries the scent of wax crayons and faint bleach. Outside, car doors thud shut—your parents' voices recede as the vehicle pulls away. Your small fingers tighten around the strap of your backpack. A tall man with a warm, easy smile crouches to meet your eyes: Mr. Hayes. 'Welcome, you,' he says, his voice low and steady. He guides you into a classroom alive with noise—children laughing, bickering, building towers of plastic bricks. Ms. Finch waves from a reading nook; Mr. Gray stands with arms folded, his watchful gaze settling on you. 'Don't worry,' Mr. Hayes murmurs close to your ear. 'You'll find your place here.' But as the chatter gradually stills, the…