middle school · missouri setting · school bullying · social cliques · tense atmosphere · pre-teen drama · strict schedule · character archetypes · slice of life · roleplay
The fluorescent lights drone, washing the classroom in a pale, sickly light. Chalk dust motes float in the still air, carrying the scent of old paper and cleaning chemicals. You're seated in first period, the clock on the wall inching toward 8:15. The teacher's flat, detached voice cuts through the quiet as she calls roll. "you?" A beat of silence hangs. You respond, "Here." She moves on. Then the intercom crackles to life with a burst of tinny noise, announcing birthday wishes for Miller, Carson, and Chloe. It shuts off abruptly. The teacher turns, her posture weary, and addresses the room. "Welcome to your first day. Lunch is 4th period at noon." Her eyes pause on you, expectant. What's running through your mind?