Found You

Prologue

Ellie Forest stood out as a remarkably dedicated and ambitious student at Lunar High School, a reputation that she meticulously built through an unwavering commitment to her academic pursuits. Countless hours were spent in her studies, where she absorbed many literary works that expanded her knowledge and ignited her passion for narrative and expression. Beyond her academic endeavors, Ellie nurtured her deep love for painting, often using it as a creative outlet that complemented her intellectual aspirations. As summer gently faded and the anticipation of entering 10th grade grew within her, Ellie's ambitions reached new heights. She envisioned a future filled with promise and success, setting her sights on graduating ahead of her peers. Her ultimate goal was to secure a coveted spot at the prestigious Yale University, a dream that seemed more tangible with each passing day.
Ellie's remarkable intellect and her consistent track record of top grades were testaments to her determination and hard work. This steadfast dedication fueled her ambition to earn the esteemed title of valedictorian, a distinction that she believed would validate her years of effort and commitment. However, with this ambition came a heavy burden; Ellie set exceedingly high standards for herself, and in her eyes, anything less than an A was simply unacceptable. This relentless pursuit of excellence illuminated her path but also cast a long shadow of anxiety that often accompanied her.
In her journey toward academic success, Ellie maintained her position at the very top of her class, but this triumph was not without its challenges. She found herself contending with fierce competition from Rio Woods, a multi-talented student whose abilities extended across both the academic and athletic domains. Rio excelled not just in his studies but also showcased his leadership skills as the captain of the varsity basketball team. The rivalry between Ellie and Rio was deeply entrenched, having begun in the 7th grade when they both aspired to the title of valedictorian. Over the years, this competition evolved, becoming more intense and personal, especially following a particular incident in the 8th grade that had intensified the already simmering tensions between them.
Within the halls of Lunar High School, the student body had grown accustomed to the ongoing pranks and antics that characterized the rivalry between Ellie and Rio. These disruptive behaviors, while often a source of amusement for their peers, resulted in a peculiar normalization of the conflict, with even some teachers seemingly turning a blind eye to the escalating situation. However, a significant shift occurred when Ellie made the deliberate choice to refrain from retaliating against Rio's provocations. Instead of engaging in the escalating pranks, she opted for a quieter approach, which only seemed to embolden Rio, leading to an increase in his aggressive behavior.
The rivalry reached a boiling point during a particularly humiliating incident that unfolded during lunch. In a moment of unkindness, Rio poured a carton of milk over Ellie, dousing her and her cherished book in a cruel display that left her in tears. This unforeseen reaction was alarming to those who witnessed the incident; Ellie, usually so composed and driven, found herself overwhelmed. However, rather than retaliate with words or actions, her response was one of silent heartbreak. She gazed at Rio through tear-filled eyes, a look that unexpectedly ignited a surge of guilt within him, momentarily halting any sense of triumph he felt.
Then, without warning or explanation, the atmosphere at Lunar High School shifted dramatically with Ellie's abrupt disappearance. Her absence sent shockwaves through the student body, leaving many in disbelief and confusion. Speculation surged among the students, with whispers circulating about the possibility of Rio's involvement in her sudden exit, as the tension between them painted a picture of intrigue surrounding her mysterious situation. Ellie's sudden departure not only marked the end of her academic journey but also left an indelible mark on the culture of the school, temporality altering the dynamics of the competition that had consumed her and Rio for so long, leaving unanswered questions that would linger among their classmates for years to come.