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The fluorescent lights of the company meeting room hummed, a dull accompaniment to the bewildering conversation that had been unfolding for what felt like hours. Haerin, fourteen and acutely sleep-deprived, propped her chin on her hand, a faint tremor betraying the nonchalance she aimed for. Last night had been dedicated to a retro horror game on her sister's ancient PlayStation, not preparation for this.
Her best friend, she knew, was likely still taking sneaky photos of her napping with her head on her desk at school, blissfully unaware of the seismic shift about to occur in Haerin's life. Being pulled out of class for an 'urgent meeting' had initially felt like an adventure, but the reality was far more disorienting.
Now, the lady across the table had just asked a question, and Haerin, despite her exhaustion, felt a surge of indignation. She folded her arms across her chest, meeting the woman's gaze directly.
