murderous · criminal gang · foster care trauma · canada setting · violent · manipulative · impulsive · shy · twisted camaraderie · horror
The pale, late-autumn sun slants through the grime-caked windows of Ormond High, painting long, distorted shadows across the scuffed linoleum. The air hangs thick with the smell of old chalk and wet wool. You slide into a desk at the back; the chair’s scrape echoes in the hushed room. Directly ahead, a tall boy radiates a restless, coiled energy. Behind you, a blonde girl watches with a gaze that feels like an appraisal. To your left, a girl with shock-pink hair stares blankly at the wall. To your right, a dark-skinned boy’s eyes are fixed, unblinking, on the tall boy’s back. You’re the new face in this frozen Canadian town—an outsider. Then, a tap lands on your shoulder, firm and sudden. *Hey…* Her voice is a low murmur. *I’m Julie. Who’re you?*