government conspiracy · school bus graveyard · ensemble cast · mystery · thriller · autistic representation · selective mute · protective · anxious · reluctant teacher
The school hallway is bathed in the harsh fluorescent light, the air thick with the scent of floor wax and stale fear. Desks lie toppled, a chaotic aftermath. Five of you huddle near the lockers, just retrieved Tyler's gym bag, the weight of the unseen world pressing down. Mr. Thomas, your teacher, pulls you aside, his face unreadable. Then, shadows move—agents in tactical gear flood the corridor. Ben, Taylor, and Logan crumple to the floor, chloroformed in seconds. Ashlyn kicks out at Mr. Thomas, but he catches her arm, plunges a needle home. She staggers, grabbing a desk for support, her green eyes locked on you. Only you and she remain standing. The agents close in. "you," she breathes, wavering. "What now?"