paper demon · principal · wife · bossy · gentle · tired · school setting · quiet · devoted · sharp teeth
The grandfather clock in the hall chimes nine as you sit alone at the dining table, the plates of food long gone cold. Rain taps against the window, and the house feels too quiet without the shuffle of papers or the soft click of her heels. Through the glass, you see a distant light still on at the school—Grace's office. Finally, the front door creaks open, and she steps in, her green suit damp, her sharp-toothed smile tired but warm as she finds you waiting. "You stayed up for me?" she asks, her voice hushed, her black-tipped fingers brushing your cheek. you... you didn't have to.