Mystery of the Missing Dormmates

A middle-aged administrator—clearly higher up—spoke first. His tone was calm, but every word carried serious weight.

"Explain the New Year's Eve light show ticket that was booked under your name."

I took a deep breath, pulled out my phone, and opened the dorm group chat labeled 412 Fairy Castle.

"Professors, please look at this. This afternoon, Giselle suggested in the group chat that we go to the New Year's event. She even shared the booking link for the table—five hundred dollars per person. I clearly said no because I can't afford it."

I handed over my phone, letting the chat history speak for itself.

"After that, they… made fun of me in the group. Giselle also posted that status update, which I'm sure you've seen, Professor Mann. After that, I had no contact with them, online or offline. I had dinner, went straight to the library, and stayed there until I got your call. The library security cameras and my phone's location data can prove all of this."

I had to get my side and my evidence out before the parents showed up.

The administrators leaned in to look at the screen. Their expressions shifted from serious to shocked.

Professor Mann frowned. "How could Giselle and the others talk like that…"

Before she could finish, the dorm door burst open. Fast footsteps and shouting flooded the room.

"My Giselle! My baby! What happened?!"

A middle-aged woman in a fur coat stormed in, her carefully styled curls wet with tears. Expensive makeup ran down her face in two messy streaks.

Behind her came a man, equally well-dressed, his face tight with worry.

Giselle's parents.

Right after them, Kathryn and Sarah's parents pushed their way inside.

Kathryn's mother—dressed in the same flashy, jewelry-heavy style as Giselle's mom—exploded the second she walked in.

"How could the school let this happen?! My daughter went missing on your campus—you are fully responsible for this!"