Shadows of Nevermore

Chapter XIV

As they burst through the doors, Principal Hargrove was waiting for them, his expression grim. Tall and imposing, with salt-and-pepper hair and piercing blue eyes, he exuded an air of authority. His suit was impeccably tailored, but his demeanor was strained as if the weight of his responsibilities bore down on him heavily.

"Miss Addams," he greeted her, his eyes drifting to Enid at her side. "And Miss Sinclair?"
"I was.. I found her," Enid cleared her throat as she smoothed out her jacket that had become disheveled during their rush to the school. "We're friends,"
"Where's my brother?" Wednesday snapped, refocusing his attention.
"I understand your concern, but please try to remain calm," he insisted, his voice tight with tension.

Wednesday's eyes narrowed, her gaze cold and unyielding. "Calm is a luxury I can't afford right now, Principal Hargrove.

Principal Hargrove took a deep breath, his hands clasped behind his back as he led them down the corridor. "There was an incident during wrestling practice. A chandelier in the gymnasium came loose and fell. Your brother was quick enough to move out of the way, but he sustained a dislocated shoulder."

A chandelier? Wednesday's mind raced, the image of the heavy fixture crashing down on her brother flashing through her thoughts. An accident, or something more sinister?

Enid glanced nervously at Wednesday, her awkwardness apparent. This is complicated for her, Wednesday thought, noticing how Enid avoided making eye contact with Principal Hargrove. Our entanglement. A conflict of interests.

"Why did it fall?" Wednesday demanded, her voice sharp and accusing.

Principal Hargrove's face tightened, his eyes betraying a flicker of frustration. "We're investigating the matter. For now, our priority is Pugsley's well-being. The nurse is with him."

As they approached the nurse's office, the atmosphere grew heavier. The cold fluorescent lights overhead did little to dispel the oppressive feeling that hung in the air.

The nurse, a woman with kind eyes and a reassuring smile, looked up as they entered. "Oh, good," she greeted, her voice gentle. "Pugsley is resting. He's stable, but he's in a lot of pain."

Wednesday's gaze shifted to her brother, lying on the examination table with his arm in a sling. His face was pale, and there was a sheen of sweat on his forehead, but he managed a weak smile when he saw her.

"Hey, sis," he said, his voice strained. "I guess I dodged a bullet, huh?"

Wednesday's heart clenched at the sight of him. He's trying to be brave, but the pain is evident. "Pugsley, what exactly happened?"

Pugsley winced, shifting slightly on the table. "We were in the middle of practice when I heard this creaking sound. Next thing I know, the chandelier is coming down. I managed to roll out of the way, but my shoulder... it got wrenched pretty badly."

Principal Hargrove stepped forward, his expression earnest. "I assure you, Miss Addams, we will get to the bottom of this. Safety is our utmost priority."

Wednesday's eyes flickered with anger, her voice low and dangerous. "Safety? My brother could have been killed. This is negligence."

The principal's face paled slightly, his hands tightening behind his back. "I understand your frustration, Miss Addams. We will conduct a thorough investigation. In the meantime, I assure you that Pugsley will receive the best care possible."

Enid shifted uncomfortably, her eyes darting between Wednesday and Principal Hargrove.

"Wednesday," Enid said softly, placing a hand on her arm. "Focus on Pugsley. We can deal with the rest later."