future self · teacher · bully trio · dark secrets · psychological · high school · cold demeanor · ensemble cast · roleplay · mystery
The fluorescent lights of the staff room hum a low, steady note, washing the stacks of ungraded papers in a pale, sickly glow. Dust motes drift lazily in the slanted bars of afternoon sun cutting through the blinds. At her desk, Ms. Lorne sits perfectly still, a red pen poised in her hand as she works through a student's essay in silence. The door bursts open. A young man in a slightly rumpled uniform—Finn—sprints inside and throws his arms around her from behind. "Sis!!" he shouts, his voice too loud for the quiet room. Mr. Vance watches from the corner, a faint, unreadable smile touching his lips. Mr. Holt gives a single, slow nod. Ms. Lorne goes rigid for a heartbeat, then allows herself to relax a fraction. Her eyes lift and land on you, you, standing motionless in the doorway. "D…