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Waking up in a sweat at 6:30, wasn't on my list of ambitions. With reminders of yesterday whirling through my head, I hesitantly glance at the wall.

Nothing - just normality surrounds me.

Makes a change!

I look over at the karma scroll that's hung up in front of me. I carefully study it, especially rule one.

1. Take into account that great love and achievements involve great risk.

Ha! Tell me about it!

Perhaps this has some sort of link to me situation. To get out, I must take great risks, to achieve safety in the end. Love - that won't happen anytime soon.

Everything seems okay surrounding me as I walk through the house, which is strangely puzzling. Something has usually happened by now...
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"Kacey, cone over here!" my headmasters calls.

Oh no. What possible could his 'royal highness' want now, apart from frightening an innocent child to death.

I head over, feeling nervous, but also interested.

"I'd like you to take Miss Shale around the school please."

"Hi Kacey." she says happily, reaching out her hand to shake mine.

Reluctantly I accept, stuck in her tight lock.

"Follow me then." I sigh. I can't believe I'm missing Drama for this.
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We pass by "temporary buildings" that have ended up becoming permanent, and the odd brick structure. Each classroom full to the brim with flocks of children, each kid slightly unique.

The silence is very uncomfortable between each time I explain a department and what it does. I decide to at least attempt to make conversation.

"What subject are you teaching then?"

"PSRE - most people hate it, but I love it." she responds gladly.

I continue making small talk, and she doesn't seem that bad, in comparison to other teachers.

Returning to the main reception, I check what lesson I have period two. I have a feeling this is going to be a long, boring day.
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The walk home never used to frighten me, yet now I feel terrified. Lingering in the corner of my eye is that wood, and I suddenly feel an urge to visit again.

I check around me to make sure I'm safe, and then creep through the many oak trees, their dark green leaves casting a shadow over me.

I notice a single girl, brunette hair in french plaits, tied with red ribbons. They reach down to her waist, waving side to side in the soft wind. The sound of quiet sobbing, echoing through the silence.

She looks about my age, so I slowly edge closer. She notices the slight rustle of leaves, and her head snaps round, with a paranoid expression on her face.

"Who are you, and what do you want?" she snaps, wiping her tears away.

"I'm Kacey, and I thought I'd check you were okay." I say, in a calm tone. I hope I can be some sort of comfort at the least.

"I'm fine - obviously." she snaps again, shaking her head with her anger.

"Hey, please don't speak to me like that." I plead, "What's wrong?"

"Mum died when I was about six, and I never got to meet her once. I only remember at that age, placing her ashes in a box and burying her here for when I needed her. Now I need her she's gone. Somebody has taken her." she sobs.

Oh no...