ughts to the uncertain future. What would her li

nturies of wind and rain, and ivy crept up the walls, covering parts of the architecture. The windows were narrow and crooked, the leaded glass panes fogg

, his eyes cast downward, his long grey beard flowing down his chest. He glanced up at

master Caldwell." He gave a stiff bow. "Your aunt wrote saying you are to become a governess. We shall refine your rea

a small smile. "Thank you for taking me in." The headmaster nodded curtly, hi

floorboards creaked and groaned beneath their feet as they walked. The air was thick with the scent of books and old paper. Even though it was a school, there was an eerie silen

, its walls lined with doors. The rooms were even more plain than the ones below, with little more than a bed, a desk, and

"You may unpack your belongings and make yourself at home. Dinner will be served in the great hall at six. If you have any questi

ed from years of neglect. A single drafty window let in what little light there was, casting shadows across the room. The cold seeped through the floorboards, making her shiver. Though the atmosphere of Creekwood Seminary was rather ble

up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. The sunlight streaming through the grimy window cast a dim glow over her makeshift qu

r skin. The floorboards creaked beneath her feet as she made her way to her chest and put on her drab grey dress. The dress, like all of her

ion. The headmaster, Caldwell, was already there, his expression stern as ever. The other girls, all dressed in identical grey dresses, stood in straight l

the line of girls. He paused in front of her, his

pection." Louise bowed her head in submission, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She knew that she had little ti

but it was still cold enough to make her shiver. The porridge, a thick, greyish mush, was ladled onto tin plates by the serving wench. Bread, freshly baked and still steaming, was placed besid

routine now, her body growing accustomed to the cold and the lack of comfort. The headmaster, Caldwell, still remained distant and unapproachable, but the other girls had slowly b

start t

ds echoing through the empty corridor. She sighed, climbed out of bed, and did her same morning routine. Putting on her large, grey dre

. She took her place at the end of the line, her heart racing as she waited for the headmaster's scrutiny. Caldwell wal

r throat dry. "I-I apologize, sir," she stammered "I did straighten it out, but I must have wrinkled it again during the night." The headmast

her teeth, biting back a cry of pain. Blood welled up from the fresh wounds, staining the sleeves of her dress.

est punishment of all: a week of solitary confinement in the damp, dark cell beneath the chapel. The thought sent a shiver down

A girl who seemed to be about her age, with ginger hair and freckles, smiled at her.

eplied, surprised by

he smile, despite her best efforts to remain stoic. There was something about Mary that made her feel welcome, despi

eet you, Mary,"

ou alright?" She placed a gentle hand on Louise's shoulder, and the gesture made her feel as tho

rassed. "I will be okay.

uise's. "Come along, let's go get some breakfast." She led her to the dining hall, chattering away about her family and life before coming to the school. Her stories made Louise feel a s

and laughed. For the first time in ages, Louise felt a lightness in her heart. With Mary's companionship, Louise found the strength to endure even the headmaster's harshest scolding's. During their free time, she and Mary