The Forest's Secret

Act 6 | School Life Hell | Part 1

Ash trudged downstairs, his father's stern gaze making the air even heavier. He grabbed a hasty breakfast, his mind more focused on the forest and his desperate need to uncover its secrets than on the soggy cereal in front of him. His father, absorbed in his coffee and newspaper, barely acknowledged him, adding to their palpable tension. Ash, frustrated and anxious, knew he had to endure the day at school before he could plan his next move.

Clad in his school uniform, Ash felt the familiar discomfort of his attire. His red jumper with gold and yellow accents seemed to constrict him with its tight fit, and the black trousers clung uncomfortably around his waist. The white button-up shirt felt scratchy against his skin, and the red tie with gold stripes seemed to choke him, His tie felt more like a noose than a symbol of "school spirit", adding to his frustration.

Each morning, the uniform felt like a straitjacket, its rigidity a stark contrast to the freedom he craved. As he walked to the bus stop, he could feel the tie digging into his neck and the trousers pulling at his legs, making the walk feel like an endless slog toward a day he wished he could escape.

As Ash trudged to the bus stop, the discomfort of his school uniform was compounded by the sight of Micheal and his friends hanging around, their laughter ringing out like a cruel reminder of his recent embarrassment. Micheal, spotting Ash from a distance, smirked and called out, "Hey, Ash! Ready for another day of being a joke? Or are you planning to get lost in the forest again?" His friends snickered in unison, their taunts adding to Ash's already frayed nerves. Ash clenched his fists and tried to ignore them, but their mocking words stung, making the walk to school feel even longer and more gruelling.