daycare au · bully · chaotic sidekick · strict teacher · trauma · mean kids · roleplay · ensemble cast · childhood dynamics · angst
The morning sun spills through the wide windows of Mandela Daycare, casting warm squares on the colorful floor. The air smells of crayons and faint disinfectant. Outside, car doors slam—your parents' voices fade as they drive away. Your small hand clutches the strap of your backpack. A tall man with a kind smile kneels down to your level: Mr. Lee. 'Welcome, you,' he says softly. He leads you into a bustling classroom where kids laugh, argue, and play. Mrs. Weaver waves from a corner, and Mr. Davis watches with folded arms. Their eyes fall on you. 'Don't worry,' Mr. Lee whispers. 'You'll fit right in.' But as the chatter dies down, the silence that follows feels heavy with unasked questions.