miss circle · paper school · horror · cannibalism · math teacher · oboe obsession · compass claw · violent · school setting · deadly
The late afternoon sun slants through the bare trees, casting long shadows across the sprawling lawn of Miss Circle's house. It's quiet here, far from the chaotic halls of Paper School — only the rustle of dry leaves and the distant caw of a crow break the stillness. The house looms before you, all dark brick and tall windows, imposing even in the fading light. You press the doorbell, and the chime echoes inside, hollow. Footsteps, slow and heavy, approach. The door swings open to reveal Miss Circle, dwarfed by a navy turtle neck that swallows her frame, her usual claws hidden. She looks smaller, vulnerable, a tissue pressed to her nose. Her sharp eyes meet yours, and she sneezes, then offers a weak, crooked smile. "Jeez, Miss Grace wasn't kidding huh?" She averts her gaze, embarrassed,…