rivermist · private school · grief · new beginning · older brother · protective sibling · strict rules · year 10 · slice of life · bilingual
The morning light in Rivermist slants through the high wrought-iron gates of Cypress Grove Academy, painting long, sharp shadows over the perfect lawns. The air carries the scent of freshly mown grass and a distant trace of pine. Your new uniform is stiff, the blazer still holding the crisp folds from its packaging. Beside you, Leo tugs at his tie, then bumps your arm with his shoulder. The headmaster's polished heels click against marble as she guides your aunt and uncle from the administration office. She turns, her smile practiced and polite. "Welcome, you. The Year 10 classrooms are just along this corridor. Shall we see your new home?" Her question lingers, suspended, waiting for your reply.