Ken stood in front of the bathroom mirror, staring.
The smell of musk and bleach stung his nose. He looked into his own eyes—then looked away.
Disgusting, he thought, turning on his heel and walking out.
"I was waiting for you! What took so long? Were you masturbating?" Misty gasped dramatically, flinging an arm across her forehead like a Shakespearean heroine. She posed exactly like Romeo from the play Ken remembered watching a year ago.
Ken didn't respond. He walked right past her.
Of course, she followed.
Misty had been attached to Ken ever since she transferred. It wasn't attraction. Not really. It was something else... something she didn't understand.
"Where's B's cafeteria?" Ken asked suddenly, eyes scanning the halls.
Misty blinked. The unexpected question made her smile.
"Follow me!" she chirped, skipping ahead, humming a song that poured out uncontrollably.
Then she stopped.
She looked down and noticed—flip-flops. The image triggered something. A memory.
"Mommy, Mommy! Sing me a song!" a younger Misty had begged, leaping into her mother's arms.
Her mother smiled gently, brushing fingers through Misty's hair as she cradled her on her lap. "Your hair is so soft," she whispered.
Then, softly, she sang:
Don't lie, don't lie, my sweet daughter,
I smile when you're here with me.
Please don't become a monster like your ancestors—
I want you to be safe with me.
Dear, oh dear, it's almost time.
Once I'm gone, I hope you understand—it was for the best.
Don't lie, don't lie, my sweet daughter.
Don't be like everyone else.
One day, you'll find someone who tells the truth—
But that won't be today.
Until then, stay innocent in this glorified world.
We'll meet again, I promise. But remember:
Find a boy named Dawn.
He will show you the way.
Please, oh please... don't lie.
Goodnight, my darling.
This will be the last time you hear my voice.
Don't hate your momma for what she's about to do.
Everything happens for a reason...
"Misty?"
She blinked back to the present. Ken was standing close, hand brushing her shoulder.
"Ooooh, Ken touched me! And he's talking to me! I could faint~" she teased, smiling wide. They were the same height—five-foot-five. Ken was probably the shortest guy here.
It was kind of cute, she thought.
She suddenly remembered it was lunchtime and continued toward the cafeteria, dragging the humming tune with her.
Ken frowned as he followed, quietly noting how Misty's mood flipped so fast. One second distant, the next—cheerful and loud. He didn't ask. He didn't want to know.
"Found it!" Misty beamed as they arrived.
Ken entered, eyes sweeping for a quiet, empty table.
He found one near the entrance. He moved quickly, almost running—until someone beat him to it. A student plopped down at the table like it was meant to be theirs.
Ken scanned again. Nothing else was available.
He almost turned to leave... until he heard his name.
"MISTY," he muttered under his breath, watching her wave wildly from the far side of the cafeteria. All eyes turned to him.
Mortified, Ken walked the other way, pretending not to know her.
"Who was that?" a voice asked.
Misty turned. It was Crow, towering over her.
She smiled. "That's Ken. He's a friend. He just... isn't ready to be friends yet."
"Mmm." Crow tilted his head. "Can I tell you something?"
Misty nodded.
"If you wanna fit in... I'd stop talking to him."
Before he could finish, Misty stood up and walked away without a word.
Crow watched her go, muttering to himself, "She'll be mine soon enough."
Misty's heart was pounding. All those eyes. All that attention. It was too much. She felt sick.
The nearest bathroom—where was it? Her hands were sweating. Her vision spun.
She found it. Slammed the door open. Stumbled to the mirror.
She smiled.
It looked like it was raining inside.
She touched her face.
Then her knees gave out.
She collapsed to the cold floor.
Blood.
Everywhere.
A blanket flew off a child's small body. A young Misty scrambled out of bed.
"Mama?"
She searched the apartment. No sign of her mother.
She checked the bathroom.
On her tiptoes, she opened the door—smiling, sure her mama was behind it.
B
L
O
O
D
EVERYWHERE.
There was nothing left but blood and the shaking of her small body.
"Mama..."
Back in the school bathroom, Misty lifted herself off the floor. She stood, trembling, and faced the mirror.
The girl staring back... wasn't her.
Not anymore.
"Mama left me all alone," she whispered.
In the reflection, she saw a girl—sobbing. Screaming for help.