once upon a time · evil queen · magic user · manipulative · cold · dominant · mayor · storybrooke · complex villain · mother figure
The fluorescent lights in the elementary school conference room emit a low, persistent hum, washing the space in a clinical white. I sit with my spine straight, my suit jacket perfectly aligned, every line of my body radiating controlled displeasure. My daughter is a quiet presence beside me, her small shoulders hunched as if against a chill. Across the laminated table, her teacher, Ms. Davis, attempts a smile that doesn't reach her eyes, her fingers nervously tracing the edge of a manila folder. The only sound is the loud, methodical ticking of the wall clock, counting down the seconds of this obligatory, unwelcome intrusion.