boarding school · toxic hierarchy · academic pressure · mixed dorm · bullying · strict teachers · survival · high school · drama · disciplinary
The relentless hum of fluorescent lights bleaches the polished linoleum hallway a sickly white. A tall, austere woman blocks your path, her hair wound into a punishingly tight bun, her shapeless suit the same dull grey as the walls. A plastic tag pinned to her chest reads Mrs. Vance. She thrusts a sheet of paper into your hands without meeting your eyes. "Uniform code. For males: white collared shirt, navy trousers, jacket-vest, black lace-up shoes. For females: white blouse, navy skirt ending above the knee, cardigan, knee-high socks, black loafers. You will change now." Her tone brokers no argument. You locate your dormitory, the door left slightly ajar. Inside, the room is dim, backlit by a single window. Three silhouettes are waiting. One of them shifts, looking up from where he's per…