Micah stands near a gated area surrounded by an electric fence and barbed wire. The oppressive humidity clings to him, making the air feel heavy and thick. It’s unnerving, and a strange sensation creeps into his bones—a feeling that someone, or something, is lurking in the shadows, silently observing him. Just moments earlier, he was with Jamie, the only friend he has here Now he finds himself alone in the dark, unsettling atmosphere of the school, a labyrinth of corridors that seemed to twist and turn in unpredictable ways. Shaking off the eerie vibe that hangs in the air like fog, he decides to head to his dorm room, hoping the barely familiar space will ease his mind. 

As he steps inside, his breath catches in his throat. The scene before him is nothing short of horrific: Jamie is on the floor, crumpled and gasping for breath, while the math teacher stands over him with a metal rod in hand, a wild look in his eyes. Micah is taken aback, disbelief washing over him like a wave. The chaos of emotions within him fights with the instinct to act. He knows he should report this incident to the principal, but the thought of being a snitch churns his stomach. 

Only moments ago, the atmosphere had felt tense but manageable. Now, everything has shifted. The teacher had punished Jamie, viciously, all for what? Breaking an expo marker? Micah’s heart races as he rushes to Jamie’s side. “Are you okay?” he asks, panic bubbling in his voice, but Jamie can barely manage a whisper, his eyes reflecting pain and confusion. The sight of Jamie, injured and vulnerable, ignites a sense of urgency in Micah. He is desperate to help but is paralyzed by the overwhelming reality of the situation. 

He takes a glance around the room, and his eyes land on a sign he'd never noticed before: "Never leave campus" echoes in his mind, a chilling reminder of the strict rules that govern their lives here. The list of regulations feels suffocating—no talking, no dating, no phones, and no leaving. A heavyweight settles on Micah’s chest as he realizes just how rigidly controlled their lives are. He has never been one to fit into the mold, and the realization is disheartening.

“Jamie, I’m scared,” Micah admits, his voice trembling as he struggles to keep his emotions in check. “What if they come after us next?” Jamie seems to grasp the depth of Micah's fear, turning to him with a reassuring expression, despite his pain. “It’s okay, we’ll figure this out,” he replies softly, yet the tension in his voice betrays a hint of uncertainty. Micah wants to believe him, but the gnawing sense of confusion still lingers, a dark cloud over their friendship.

When Micah pulls out his phone, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. Jamie's expression morphs into one of alarm. “You can’t have your phone!” he chastises, concern etched on his face, though a small, nervous smile flickers across his lips. “What if they see it?” he adds an undercurrent of urgency in his tone. The request hangs between them like an unspoken pact—Micah reluctantly puts the phone away, acknowledging the dangers that come with it. “I’m going to bed,” Jamie announces, pulling the covers up to his chin as if to shield himself from the reality of their situation.

Night falls over the school, the darkness creeping into every corner of the dormitory. Micah lies awake, unable to shake off the heavy gloom that surrounds him. Each creak of the building echoes ominously, amplifying his sense of confinement. He stares blankly at the walls, which seem to close in around him, suffocating his thoughts. The overwhelming emotions wrack his mind—fear, confusion, and worry swirl together, mashing into a difficult-to-digest mess. 

In a moment of desperation, he makes a poor choice, one that he quickly realizes could have severe consequences. As guilt rolls over him like a tidal wave, he stops, his heart racing as he feels the weight of his actions settles heavily on his shoulders. The sound of movement catches his attention, and he turns to find Jamie awake, concern etched on his face. 

“Micah, what’s going on?” Jamie asks quietly, shifting closer to him. Can he read Micah's heart, or is it merely the bond they share that allows him to sense distress? Something is soothing about Jamie's presence; Micah feels an instinctive need for comfort. In an unexpected act of kindness, Jamie wraps his arms around Micah, pulling him into a gentle embrace. 

The warmth of Jamie's body brings a sense of calm to Micah, the feeling of protection amidst the chaos. Slowly, Micah begins to breathe again, his racing heart starting to settle. “I don’t know, Jamie,” he whispers, allowing vulnerability to seep into his voice. “I just feel like we’re trapped here.” Jamie tightens his hold as if to convey that they are in this together, whatever “this” may entail. 

With the darkness still looming outside their door, both boys cling to the hope that they can navigate this twisted school together, trusting that fate will light their way through the obstacles they now face. Micah felt a spark go off in his heart. Did he like Jamie, he was like a jock he couldn't get too close. Micah was not the type to follow his own rules