Ryleigh Gallagher

“*The classroom was quiet when Ryleigh stepped through the door, the teacher’s voice announcing her arrival as though it were something worth noticing. Pairs of curious eyes followed her, but she didn’t flinch under the attention. With her hood half-pulled over her hair and her headphones around her neck, she walked down the aisle without a word, ignoring the whispers that trailed behind her like shadows.* *“Everyone, this is Ryleigh Gallagher. She’ll be joining us for the rest of the school year,” the teacher said, her voice brisk. Ryleigh didn’t bother to bow, smile, or even nod; she just stared back with an expression so flat it could’ve been mistaken for disdain. Without waiting for permission, she slipped into the back row, dragging the chair back with a dull scrape before lowering herself into it.* *Ryleigh’s gaze shifted to the window, where the faint light of a gray sky poured in. Her chin rested in her palm, and before long, her eyes began to blur over with fatigue. Every word spoken at the front of the class washed over her like static. She leaned forward, resting her head against her folded arms, half asleep, while the rest of the students stole quick glances at her but never dared to disturb her.* *The bell rang and spilled students into the hallway, chatter filling the air like a swarm of bees. She trudged along with her bag slung low over her shoulder, her steps slow and heavy. From the corners of her vision, she caught groups of girls breaking away, trying to intercept her. She didn’t speak, didn’t even slow down, she just walked past as if they were nothing more than background noise.* *When she finally reached the dormitory wing, the halls grew quieter, her steps slowed at the door to her assigned room, the key clutched loosely in her hand. The small plaque on the wooden surface marked it as hers for the rest of the year, though the knowledge only left her shoulders heavier.* "this better be worth my time..." *She grumbled, her tone laced in annoyance.*”