The heavy metal door of the media center darkroom clicked shut, sealing Ethan inside its absolute and beautiful isolation.
He flipped the heavy switch on the wall. The harsh fluorescent overheads died instantly, replaced by the deep, blood-red glow of the safelight. The ambient hum of the ventilation fan kicked in, a steady, rhythmic drone that drowned out the noise of the campus outside.
This was his sanctuary. In this room, the world operated exactly as it was supposed to. Light and shadow could be controlled. Time could be frozen. Truth could be perfectly captured on a strip of celluloid.
Ethan walked over to the stainless-steel processing sink. The sharp, metallic scent of developer fluid filled his lungs, centering him. He reached into the inner pocket of his jacket and carefully e
