Forest Lake

The air in the dorm room was still, carrying the faint scent of new wood and old books. Emma stood amidst her unpacked bags, a small, hopeful smile playing on her lips. Her new home, for now, felt surprisingly cozy. A large window on her right offered a sweeping view of the dense forest, a sea of green stretching endlessly. Below it, a simple desk and chair waited, ready for quiet study sessions.

She looked around, taking in the mirrored setup on the other side of the room, already tidied by an unseen hand. Her new roommate, Mrs. Porter had said the name, but Emma’s nerves had made it a blur. Just as she was straining to recall it, the door swung open with a soft creak.

A girl with a wide, welcoming smile stepped inside, her eyes lighting up as they met Emma’s. "Hi!" she exclaimed, closing the distance between them. "You must be my new roomie! My name is Hazel."

Hazel. Right. The name clicked into place. Emma’s smile widened, a genuine warmth spreading through her.

"Hi," Emma replied, shaking the outstretched hand. "Emma."

"It’s so nice to meet you, Emma," Hazel said, her gaze drifting to Emma’s still-packed bags. "Do you need help unpacking?"

Emma shook her head. "It’s okay, thank you. I'd rather you tell me something about this place while I put my things away. Is it nice?"

Hazel sighed, settling onto the desk. "Well, most of the time. The teachers are nice, and the work isn't hard if you study. We have popular kids, bitchy girls, jocks, nerds. You know the drill."

Emma chuckled, unzipping her largest bag. "I do. Where do you belong?"

Hazel grinned. "Oh, I'm a quiet girl who loves to read. I guess that would make me a nerd."

Relief washed over Emma. "Thank God. That makes two of us. I'm a quiet girl who loves to read too. I was afraid you were popular."

Hazel laughed. "Nope. You are safe."