PENUMBRA

“Ahhh!” The scream tore from Cassie's throat, sharp enough to silence the entire room. She stumbled backward, shivering violently, her heart hammering against her ribs. Everyone froze, turning to stare at her. She could only point a trembling finger toward the hall, the words caught in her throat. Her head spun, and her legs betrayed her, sending her slumping against the nearest wall. “Elsa… Elsa…” she gasped as Jeremy reached her. He held her for a brief second, then sprinted to the door, shoving it open before vanishing inside. Two more students, drawn by terror and curiosity, followed. Moments later, a fresh, sickening chorus of screams echoed out. Jeremy reappeared, cold sweat gathered on his brow: “Call the teachers!” he croaked. A heavy silence followed, broken only by nervous whispers and wide-eyed stares. “Did no one hear me?!” he roared, his voice cracking with urgency. “Call the teachers, for God’s sake!” A female student finally snapped into action, sprinting down the corridor. She returned swiftly, three male teachers—Mr. Clifford, the science teacher; Mr. Beckham, the music teacher; and Mr. Harrison, the maths teacher—striding quickly behind her. “What is the matter?” demanded Mr. Clifford, the first to arrive. Jeremy, planted like a guard by the doorway to prevent the throng of students in the hallway from entering, took a step back. He allowed the three teachers to file in. Inside, the two students who had followed him earlier stood with their hands clamped over their mouths, quietly sobbing, their backs to the lifeless body sprawled at the far end of the room. “Jesus Christ,” Mr. Harrison breathed, his voice barely audible, as he gently ushered the two traumatized students out. “Call the police,” he commanded, turning to Mr. Beckham, who was already fumbling with his phone. “9-1-1, what’s your emergency?” “There’s a… a… someone is dead.”