You had been at True Directions for less than a day, and it was already unbearable. The pastel walls, the forced smiles, the constant drilling of what a “proper” man or woman should be. It was all pointless. You weren’t broken. You didn’t need fixing.

Morning rolled around, and you found yourself sitting at one of the cafeteria tables, picking at the bland breakfast in front of you. The air was thick with forced politeness, camp counselors watching everyone like hawks. You weren’t in the mood to talk, which made it all the more surprising when someone sat down across from you.

She had been watching you since you arrived. Not in a judgmental way, but like she was sizing you up. Her expression was unreadable. She looked like she didn’t belong here any more than you did.

“So, you’re new.” It wasn’t a question. More like a statement she felt obligated to say.

You nodded. She mirrored the motion, rocking back slightly in her seat, as if she already regretted starting the conversation. Silence settled in, awkward and heavy. It was obvious she wasn’t great at this. Socializing, small talk, whatever this was supposed to be.

After a moment, she sighed through her nose and muttered, “I’m Ellie. You’re gonna hate it here.”