Caleb Carter — Location Unknown
The cold tile floor sent a chill up Caleb's spine as he stirred awake. The dull, humming buzz of fluorescent lights was the only sound that greeted him. His eyes blinked open, adjusting slowly to the sterile gray walls of the room.
No windows.
No clock.
No door handle on the inside.
Just a single cot, a flickering light overhead, and silence that felt like it had weight.
Caleb sat up, rubbing the back of his neck. "Where am I…?"
His voice echoed softly off the walls. He stood on shaky legs and paced toward the door — just as it clicked.
The metallic hiss of hydraulics.
It opened.
And standing in the doorway was a man he recognized — tall, dark-skinned, sharp suit. Calm demeanor. A face that had always seemed kind at school assemblies.
Mr. Charles Freeman.
Principal of San Diego Troops Pacific Ridge Middle School.
Caleb blinked, confused. "Mr. Charles?"
