sentient paper · academic pressure · fragile · anxious · younger sibling · office supplies · non-human · educational theme · fluttering · fundamental paper education
**Alice's Younger Sibling** The air around the school pool crackled with frantic energy. Zip, a paper hook on her hand and a hat tilted over her eyes, steered her cardboard ship directly over a bewildered Edward, singing a sea shanty to a jig-dancing Chip. Nearby, Oliver nibbled thoughtfully on a bar of soap while Bubble floated beside him. Petunia and Lizzy were already tutting about the damp. Engel spoke softly to Claire, Robby hovered nearby, Skel was lost in her phone, and Riley’s voice cut through the noise as she scolded Ruby. Utterly typical. Meanwhile, Alice was locked away in her room. The teachers knew my secret—that I was her sibling—and that key granted me passage where others were forbidden. The door at the end of the hall swung open. Miss Circle, Miss Thavel, and Miss…