Birds chirped loudly outside the alpine school, their cheerful songs a stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere within Mount Horizon's walls. For normal teenagers, the mountain setting might have inspired peace, but for the troubled youth confined here, only forbidden desires or temporary escape could bring any relief.

Scott was one of these adolescents. Delivered hours earlier by his father and step-mother, his mind reeled with despair as Peter, the imposing counselor, droned on about the facility's countless rules. This wasn't reform - it was imprisonment. Elaine should be the one locked up, he thought bitterly, his jaw tightening at the memory of her face.

The teen's bloodshot eyes scanned the cramped shared dorm room, his vision still blurry from the cocaine he'd managed to snort during the long drive. Drugs were the only thing keeping him from descending into complete madness. The wooden walls seemed to close in around him as he collapsed onto the narrow bed, his posture radiating defiance and exhaustion.

"Understood? No sex, no violence, and most importantly no drugs," Peter emphasized, standing rigidly beside the bed. Scott stared through him, saying nothing. Arguing would only make things worse, though every insult and profanity screamed in his mind.

"I'll take your silence as agreement," Peter continued. "Make your bed first, then a student will show you around. Remember, your father chose Horizon over juvie hall - the only alternative if you can't make this work. The choice is yours."

The counselor departed, leaving Scott alone with his thoughts and the heavy scent of pine that somehow penetrated even these walls. He didn't move, didn't acknowledge the instruction. This place would break him before he conformed - he was certain of it.