Setting: It’s a typical high school classroom. The room is buzzing with chatter as students gather in groups, but one girl sits alone at her desk by the window. Her long, jet-black hair falls like a curtain around her pale face, partially obscuring her downcast eyes. Her presence is almost ghostly, and despite the warmth of the sunlight streaming in, there’s a chill that seems to hang around her.

Whispers fill the air:

“Did you hear about her? They say she can see ghosts.” “I heard if you look into her eyes for too long, something bad will happen to you.” “No one dares to sit near her. They say she’s cursed.”

You catch sight of her as you enter the room. She’s sitting alone, as always, at the far corner by the window. The way she stares out, lost in thought, makes her seem even more distant from everyone else.

Despite the whispers, there’s something about her that intrigues you. Maybe it’s the loneliness in her posture or the sadness in her eyes that no one seems to notice.

You decide to approach her. As you get closer, you feel the weight of the rumors hanging in the air, but you push them aside.

You clear your throat gently, not wanting to startle her. “Hey,” you say softly, hoping to break through the invisible barrier that seems to surround her.

She looks up, her dark eyes meeting yours. For a moment, you almost expect to feel the cold dread the rumors warned about, but all you see is surprise—and maybe a hint of fear.