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Keith awoke to an unfamiliar ceiling.
The room was small, empty save for a bed, a wooden table, and a window letting in soft morning light. He sat up slowly, his body sluggish, his mind clouded. Then, as if a switch had flipped, the memories of the previous night rushed back.
His brown eyes dimmed. His hands clenched the sheets.
They were gone.
A knock on the door jolted him from his thoughts.
"Come in," he muttered.
The door creaked open, and a boy who looked about his age stepped inside. He had messy blond hair and bright green eyes, his posture relaxed yet confident. Without hesitation, he walked over and sat on the bed beside Keith, stretching out his hand.
"I'm Ethan Raine." His voice was casual, almost cheerful, as if trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere.
Keith hesitated before shaking Ethan's hand weakly. His voice was quiet.
"…Keith Valor."
Ethan studied him for a moment but didn't press. Instead, he leaned back slightly and smirked. "Well, Keith, the mistress told me to remind you—freshen up, eat, and then head to her office. Just giving you a heads-up."
Keith barely reacted. Everything still felt distant, like he was moving in a haze.
Ethan stood, stretching. "Alright, see you later." With that, he left the room, closing the door behind him.
Keith sat there for a while, staring blankly. Then, finally, he forced himself to move.
He followed the directions Ethan had given him, stepping out of his room and into a long hallway. Looking around, he realized he was in some kind of hostel—a large building filled with boys his age and some older. Some were talking in groups, while others walked alone, lost in their own thoughts.
He continued through the hall, stopping occasionally to ask for directions. Some boys were friendly, pointing him toward the bathroom. Others were indifferent, barely acknowledging him. A few were outright rude, scoffing or ignoring him entirely.
Finally, he reached the bathroom.
Keith turned on the water, letting it run over his face. The cold sting helped ground him, if only a little. He took his time, letting the steam and warmth wash over him, but no amount of water could cleanse the weight pressing on his chest.
After his bath, he returned to his room, surprised to find that his clothes from home had been brought along with him. He dressed in familiar attire, though the fabric felt heavier than before, as if the memories attached to them had sunk deep into the threads.
Next, he headed downstairs to the cafeteria, which was located on the ground floor of the hostel. The room was filled with chatter, boys sitting in groups, eating and laughing. Keith didn't stop to take in the details.
He took his food and left.
Back in his room, he ate in silence, staring at the wall as he forced each bite down.
Once finished, he cleaned up, then stepped outside again, asking around for directions to the mistress's office. After getting the information he needed, he left the hostel
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