Annie and my magical doll (adventure)

Annie part 15 (Is this a magic class or a therapy session?)

Annie wandered down the hallway, her eyes scanning for Darren but finding only her classmate, Grace. Grace's locker was situated near the plant classroom, its pristine white design adorned with an array of animal pins and sparkling jewels. Grace was busy organizing her books when Annie approached, her anxiety evident in her fidgeting.

Annie: "Hey... um, Grace... do you know where the dark magic class is?"

Annie's voice wavered, her nervousness causing her to sweat slightly. Grace looked up from her locker, her expression softening into a reassuring smile.

Grace: "Oh, sure! I can help you. I mean, we're in the same class after all. :)"

Grace's friendly demeanor was comforting.

Grace: "Did you get your books for the class?"

Annie was lost in her thoughts, her mind racing with worry and confusion. She didn't initially respond to Grace's question.

Annie: "Grace? A perfect-looking girl like you in a dark magic class?"

For a brief moment, Grace noticed that Annie seemed preoccupied. She snapped her fingers in front of Annie's face.

Grace: "Earth to Annie? Are you with me?"

Annie blinked and shook herself out of her reverie, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Annie: "Oh, right... I already did."

She replied sheepishly. Grace gently took Annie's hand, and they began walking towards the classroom. As they made their way through the hall, they passed a chocolate fountain, its rich aroma wafting through the air.

In a corridor lined with colorful lockers, the light magic and dark magic classrooms stood side by side. Grace looked at Annie before they reached the dark magic room.

Grace: "I'll go in first if that's okay with you?"

Annie nodded a silent agreement. Grace opened the door, revealing a classroom that was as dark as if it had been set to permanent "dark mode." The room was dimly lit, with shadows creeping along the walls. The teacher, Mr. Darwin, resembled a younger version of Snape from Harry Potter—stern yet less intimidating.

Mr. Darwin: "Ms. Grace and Annie, you're just in time. Please take your seats in the third row."

His voice was gentle, but there was an underlying hint of menace that made Annie shiver.

Annie: I hope this turns out okay...

She whispered to herself as she took in the classroom's atmosphere. The room was filled with students who didn't seem to fit the dark theme—except for one boy who had an unmistakable emo look.

Mr. Darwin: "Now that everyone is here, and I'm the only teacher not sick, we'll get started. Today's topic is trauma. I need everyone to sign this paper, just in case you experience PTSD."

His voice was dripping with an unsettling sweetness.

Mr. Darwin: "My name is Mr. Darwin. Can someone define the term 'trauma'?"

Most of the class raised their hands eagerly. Mr. Darwin's gaze settled on Annie, who hadn't raised her hand.

Mr. Darwin: "Annie, could you please provide an answer?"

Annie stood up, her confidence wavering as her nerves took over.

Annie: "Trauma is highly individual; what may be traumatic for one person might not be for another. The impact of trauma can vary based on personal resilience, support systems, and previous experiences. Treatment often involves therapeutic approaches such as counseling, trauma-informed therapy, or support groups, aimed at helping individuals process and heal from their experiences."

Mr. Darwin and the rest of the class applauded.

Mr. Darwin: "Well done, Annie. Now, we'll be writing about our own traumatic experiences. Afterward, we'll exchange papers and discuss possible solutions for each other's trauma."

Annie was taken aback. This was supposed to be a magic class, not a therapy session. Her confusion grew, and she raised her hand, drawing puzzled looks from her classmates.

Mr. Darwin: "Yes, Annie? Do you have a question?"

Annie: "Yes, I'm confused. How is this a magic class? It feels more like a therapy session. How does this relate to dark magic?"

The other students exchanged uncertain glances. Mr. Darwin let out a soft chuckle.

Mr. Darwin: "That's a great question, Annie. This week, we'll be learning a spell designed to inflict trauma on an opponent by making them relive their worst experiences. It's a powerful spell that can cause extreme PTSD. To master this spell, we need to understand trauma thoroughly, including its effects and how to control it."

The class buzzed with a mix of excitement and trepidation about learning such a powerful spell. Annie, however, felt a surge of anger and confusion. Would she rather inflict physical pain or mental anguish on someone?

She sat back down, her mind racing. She opened her notebook, feeling a knot in her stomach as she prepared to write about her trauma. The thought of putting her painful memories on paper was daunting. For several minutes, Annie hesitated, struggling with her emotions. After what felt like an eternity, she began to write, her hand trembling as she recounted her experiences. Tears blurred her vision as she wrote, but she pushed through, finally finishing after twenty minutes. She flipped the paper over, feeling a deep sense of vulnerability.

Mr. Darwin collected all the trauma papers and mixed them in a bowl. As he prepared to redistribute them, the room was filled with an uneasy silence. The students exchanged anxious glances, bracing themselves for what was to come.

Annie watched as Mr. Darwin took out the papers, each one a testament to someone's pain and suffering. She felt a heavy weight in her chest, the reality of the class's purpose sinking in. The line between magic and personal trauma had never seemed so blurred, and she couldn't shake the feeling that the lessons ahead would test her in ways she hadn't anticipated.