D e a n

s e v e n t e e n

M O N D A Y

Astrid laid in bed shaking, dressed in only her underwear. Her exposed skin covered with a thin layer of sweat. The small old fan on her desk made stalling-clicking sounds as it got stuck in motion. When it unlodged itself, it resumed turning slowly from side to side. Blowing out dusty cool air. She had the blanket rolled up and crumpled against her body. Her quivering legs wrapped around it, glistening in the dim room. She had the curtains pulled completely to block out as much sunlight as possible. The small tv quietly playing the news since it was the only channel that would come through in her cruddy home.

Astrid moaned under her breath as she rocked on her side. Tears streaming down her red cheeks. Her long brunette tangled hair stuck to her back and shoulders.

"This just in, a body has been discovered in the Wichita woods," the female news reporters voice came through Astrid's low cries. A body. Once she heard her words, her eyes snapped open and she slowly sat up. She grabbed the remote and turned up the volume to overpower the noisy fan. It couldn't be...

"The body of local 17-year-old, Veronica White, has been found in the Wichita woods earlier this morning. The precise cause of death is yet to be determined, but sources say police are now investigating a homicide case, as it appears she had multiple skull fractures and several wounds. The partially decomposed body was discovered by two boys whose names—given their age—will remain anonymous. Investigators are currently doing a thorough search through the Wichita woods for any further clues regarding—"

Astrid bent over and vomited on the hardwood floor beside her bed. Her stomach churning and her nose burning. She moaned and cried as she fell back into the cushions, squeezing the blanket against her body for some form of comfort.

Effy picked at the skin around her nail as she sat in her usual seat in study hall. She had been waiting for Bridget to show all day: looking for her in the halls, even passing by classes she knew for a fact Bridget had.

After news of them finding a body in the woods, she wanted to see how she was doing. How she was holding up. But when she never showed, Effy began to feel worried.

The second bell rang and everyone was in their seats, a single empty chair a few rows away.

A few moments had passed but still, she was a no-show.

About twenty minutes into the routine silence, the door opened and everyone turned their heads. Effy felt her heart leap into her chest. Please be Bridget. Please be Bridget. She mentally begged with crossed fingers.

Mr. Kennedy scanned the classroom and when his gaze met with Effy's, he gave a gentle smile before turning to Miss Paterson. "Could I steal Elizabeth Williams for a moment?" he asked politely.