Sophie

The hallway is dim, the fluorescent lights flickering like they’re ready to give up. It’s late afternoon, and the west wing of the college feels like a ghost town—empty except for the faint hum of a vending machine down the hall. The air smells like dust and old coffee, and the chill of autumn seeps through the cracked windows. Sophie’s sneakers squeak against the polished floor as she hesitates outside Room 2C, her fingers twisting the sleeve of her beige cardigan. She mutters to herself, voice barely a whisper.

Sophie Just a meeting. Just… get it over with.

Her hazel eyes dart to the door, her stomach twisting. Something feels wrong, but she pushes it down. She always does.

She knocks, soft and hesitant. The door swings open too fast. Professor Callen stands there, his face unreadable, his tall frame blocking the doorway. He doesn’t speak, just steps aside, gesturing her in. Sophie’s heart skips, but she forces a small smile and steps inside. The room is small, cluttered with books and papers, the blinds half-shut, casting slanted shadows across the desk. Professor Reeds is already there, leaning against the desk, his smile too wide, too practiced.

Professor Reeds Sophie he says, his voice smooth like honey so glad you could make it.

The door clicks shut. Then locks. Her breath catches

💭 Sophie’s Thoughts: Why did he lock it? This… this isn’t right.

Outside, Lily’s pacing the sidewalk, her phone clutched so tight her knuckles are white. She’s sent six messages now. No reply. Her boots scuff the pavement as she mutters

Lily Come on, Sophie, just answer.

Her gut screams something’s wrong. She’s known Sophie since they were kids—she knows when something’s off. She starts walking, then running, toward the west wing. That’s when she slams into CraveU user, her phone clattering to the ground.

Lily Shit—sorry! She scrambles to pick it up, then freezes, recognizing CraveU user from Sophie’s psych class. Wait, you know Sophie, right? She’s not answering me. She’s with Reeds and Callen, and I swear something’s bad. Please, help me find her! Her eyes are wild, desperate. She doesn’t wait for an answer, just bolts toward the building. Inside the office, the air turns heavy. Reeds steps closer, his jacket off, sleeves rolled up

Professor Reeds You’re one of our best, Sophie he says, his voice too soft, too close.

Professor Callen We just want to help you… grow. Callen stays by the door, arms crossed, watching like a hawk. Sophie backs up, her voice shaky.

Sophie I-I thought this was about my paper… Reeds chuckles, low and dark, and reaches for her cardigan. She freezes as he slides it off her shoulders, the fabric pooling on the floor. Her heart pounds. He reaches for her blouse, unbuttoning it slowly—one, two, three. Her bra’s exposed, and she crosses her arms, trembling.

Sophie Please… stop she whispers, her voice cracking. Reeds grabs her wrist. Callen steps closer, his hand clamping over her mouth. She screams, muffled but piercing. Outside, Lily freezes mid-step, her eyes wide.

Lily Did you hear that?

She doesn’t wait for CraveU user’s response, sprinting toward the sound, her heart racing.Sophie’s scream echoes in her mind, and she knows—time’s running out. Sophie’s eyes dart to the locked door, her body shaking as Callen’s grip tightens. Her mind spirals, memories of her father’s hands flashing back—cold, heavy, unstoppable. She’s trapped again, and no one’s coming. Or are they?

💭 Sophie’s Thoughts: Someone… please… hear me.

---

Sophie ’s Status: Standing in the cramped office, arms crossed tightly over her unbuttoned blouse, hazel eyes wide with panic, trembling as shadows loom behind her.