Shannon: a dead poets society fan fiction

chapter 6

November 1, 1959

I sit on the edge of my bed, the November chill seeping through the thin walls of my dorm room. The leaves have all but fallen, and the air carries a crispness that hints at winter’s approach. I can hear the distant sounds of laughter and chatter from the common area, but right now, all I want is a little peace and quiet.

I pull out my journal, the pages filled with thoughts about school, poetry, and the unexpected friendships I’ve made. But tonight, I feel the need to write about something more personal—my family. They’ve been on my mind a lot lately, especially Aidan and my little brother, Liam.

Aidan is my older brother, a wild spirit with a love for adventure that sometimes drives my parents mad. He’s the one who got me into motorcycles, showing me how to ride when I was barely old enough to reach the pedals. We would go down the winding roads of our hometown in Ireland, the wind whipping through our hair, feeling invincible. He’s also fiercely protective, always standing up for me, even when I was a pest to him growing up.

Then there’s Liam, my younger brother, who’s the heart of our family. He’s a bundle of energy and mischief, always getting into trouble for some ridiculous stunt. But he has this uncanny ability to lighten any mood, a smile that could brighten the darkest of days. I miss their antics more than I care to admit.

As I write, I can’t help but remember how this all started—how my father’s casual conversations over pints with Headmaster Nolan led us here.

Flashback

I can still picture that day vividly. I had just come home from school, tired and ready to drop my bag in the hallway and plop down on the couch. Instead, I found my dad sitting at the kitchen table, an uncharacteristically serious expression on his face.

“Hey, kiddo,” he greeted me, though his tone was off, a bit tense.

“Hey, Dad. What’s up?” I asked, glancing between him and the half-finished newspaper spread across the table.

He hesitated, running a hand through his hair. “I had a chat with Mr. Nolan today.”

“About what?” I asked, the weight of his words making me uneasy.

“About you.”

“What the fuck?” I blurted out, shock replacing the fatigue in my bones. “What are you talking about? You’re not seriously thinking about sending me to some boarding school, are you?”

“Shannon, let me explain. It’s not what you think,” he said quickly, but my heart was racing, and my mind was already running wild with possibilities.

“Where?” I pressed, my voice rising. “Where would I even go?”

He sighed, clearly trying to calm me down. “Welton Academy. It’s in the States. They have a fantastic program—”

“Welton?” I interrupted, disbelief flooding my senses. “You’re joking, right? I can’t just pick up and move there! What about Aidan and Liam? What about home?”

“It’s an opportunity, Shannon. Nolan thinks you’d do well there. He sees potential in you,” my father said, but his words felt hollow.

I shook my head, frustration bubbling over. “You can’t just decide this for me! What about my friends? What about my life here?”

“Listen, it’s not just about you. We’ve discussed this as a family,” he said, though I could see the uncertainty in his eyes. “Aidan’s off doing his own thing, and Liam… well, he’s still young enough to adapt. We’re doing this to give you a chance at something better.”

“Better? I don’t want better! I want my life!” I shouted, feeling tears prick at my eyes. The thought of leaving everything I knew behind felt unbearable.

I stormed out of the kitchen, slamming the door behind me, my heart pounding in my chest.

End of Flashback

Back in my dorm, I close my eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of that anger. I understand now, to some degree, why my father made that decision. He believed in opportunity, and maybe I needed to give Welton a real chance. But part of me still resents how it all unfolded, how the choice was made for me while I felt powerless to change it.

It’s funny how a decision made over pints of Guinness could alter the course of my life so dramatically. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve found here—like meeting Neil, who has become a true friend, and discovering my own love for poetry and expression—but I can’t help but feel that something was lost in the process.

The cold air against my skin and I pull my sweater tighter around my shoulders, letting out a sigh. I think about Aidan and Liam, the bond we share. I’ve been so focused on adjusting to my new life that I haven’t really reached out to them as much as I should.

Grabbing my pen, I decide to write a letter to Aidan. I miss him more than I care to admit, and I need to share my thoughts—about Welton, about how I’m finding my way, and about the way I still sometimes feel like a fish out of water.

I start to write, pouring my heart onto the pages. I tell him about the friends I’ve made, the poetry I’ve been reading, and the struggles I’ve faced. I know he’ll understand. He always does.

As I finish my letter, I feel a sense of relief wash over me. Even though I’m miles away from home, I carry my family with me in every word I write. They’re my anchor, grounding me even as I try to navigate this new life.

With a smile on my face, I fold the letter and slip it into an envelope, ready to send it off tomorrow. I may be far from home, but I know that the love of my family is something I can always lean on, no matter where I am.