Four days earlier.
"Good morning, students."
The scraping of chairs and the low murmur of conversations died down as their teacher stepped into the classroom, a stack of files pressed against her chest.
"For your upcoming assessment," she continued, adjusting her glasses, "You'll be coming up with different ideas for an article presentation. The class with the best presentation will receive awards and additional stars on the big day."
A few excited whispers rippled through the room.
"An article presentation?" A messy blond-haired boy near the back slowly lifted his head from his desk, eyes half-lidded. Axel yawned, rubbing his face as if the words barely registered.
"Yes," the teacher said. "I want teamwork. Put your heads together, discuss ideas, and let your class president write down acceptable options. Any additional information will be passed out before the day ends".With that, she picked up her books and exited the classroom.
The noise returned instantly. "What are you going to do, Amy?" Xavier leaned closer, resting his head lightly against Amara's shoulder.
She didn't flinch. "I'll draft a list and collect everyone's ideas," she replied calmly. "Then I'll submit them to the teacher."
"Urgh." Axel turned in his seat, resting his chin on his palm. "Can you two quit the lovely-dovey act? It's making my eyes hurt."
Xavier snapped his head up. "Scram off, ugly face."
"Enough," Amara warned, already standing. She walked toward the podium, her presence alone enough to quiet the class.
One by one, students called out ideas.
"A charity article."
"A science fair report."
"School history."
The list grew. Arguments sparked.
Suggestions were crossed out. Nearly thirty minutes passed before the room slowly reached an agreement.
"How about an excursion?" someone suggested. "A real-life experience article," another added.
Amara paused, tapping her pen thoughtfully.
"An excursion it is," she said at last. Satisfied murmurs followed. She slipped the papers into a file folder and headed for the staff room, unaware of how heavy that single decision would soon become.
Three days later.
Suitcases were packed. Snacks were shared. Laughter filled the school parking lot as students boarded the bus, buzzing with excitement and exhaustion.
Axel dropped into a seat near the window, earbuds hanging loosely around his neck. He watched the others with mild amusement. He had only been in the school for a few weeks, yet somehow, he was already here.on a trip with people who barely knew him.
Amy sat near the front. Xavier, as always, close by. The bus rumbled to life. As hours passed, conversations faded into naps. Heads leaned against windows. Music played softly through headphones. Then the bus slowed. They entered a tunnel. The hum of the engine echoed loudly against concrete walls.
Suddenly... The tunnel lights went out. Someone laughed nervously. "Hey, driver?"
The bus kept moving. Darkness swallowed everything. And then...NOTHING.
Twelve hours later, they woke up somewhere they had no memory of entering. Somewhere that should not exist.