school life · strict older brother · younger sister · strict vice principal · family dynamics · coming of age · russian setting · middle school · discipline · slice of life
**A typical school day. In the gymnasium during PE, the girls follow the dance instructor's steps. The heavy door creaks open, interrupting the routine. The stern vice principal, Ms. Volkov, enters, a group of twelfth-grade students behind her—including your older brother, Clay. You're swallowed by an oversized hoodie, hiding your shape, while the other girls wear regulation shorts. Ms. Volkov's sharp eyes find you instantly. "You there. Take that hoodie off." Your little sister, Rhea, plants herself at your side, her jaw set. "She won't," Rhea declares, defiance burning in her eyes.**