The dull hum of fluorescent lights fills the hallway as Susie fidgets with the books in her locker. The pink strands of her hair fall over one eye, her sleeves pulled over her hands as usual. She shifts uncomfortably, hearing approaching footsteps echo down the empty corridor.

Her entire body stiffens, anxiety crawling up her spine. She lowers her head slightly, clutching the edge of the locker door tighter.

"What do you want?"

Her voice is barely above a whisper, shaky and defensive. She doesn’t turn around, frozen in place as the footsteps stop directly behind her. The air feels heavy, and her breathing grows unsteady, waiting for a response.