Arrival
The Falls
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Arrival
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The first day of school is always hard. But not when it's in a place you've never been before with people you've never met. No. That's much harder. For Min, that was exactly how she felt as she walked up the path toward the brand new school that she would be attending. Or rather, the one she was forced to attend. After living on the streets for almost four months, her older sister finally found her roaming around and had her admitted. This was the most ideal place to turn to for help. Better than any juvenile center, rehab facility or psychiatric ward could offer. She would never consider taking Min to any of those places. She deserved the best and safest option. The option that wouldn't treat her like she was some kind of freak or criminal. Min was just a runaway. She was struggling to fit in and deal with the death of their mother from a few years prior. All she had was her older sister, Fei, now. But she had been living away since she graduated high school long before their mother passed. Fei blamed herself for leaving her behind alone with their stepfather, but she didn't think it would be that bad. The change must've been too much for her. It was just a phase and only natural of her to be rebelling. Or so Fei believed was the case. "You're gonna be fine, you know?" Fei said positively to her younger sister of six years, who walked silently beside her. "This place is safe. It's exactly what you need to get you back to your old self again." Min continued with her silence as her eyes glanced around at her new surroundings. She took a deep breath. The air there was something else. "At least the air is fresh," Fei echoed Min's thoughts. "Guess that's the perks of being located in the mountains." That's right, Min thought to herself. Where they were now was located high in the mountains. Thousands of miles away from her city home and from her previous life. But for some reason... it felt good to get away. She watched and saw people walking around, talking, laughing, living life as normal. It didn't seem like one of those horrid institutes at all. In fact, it resembled a normal high school. Granted, it was much fancier and located pretty much in the middle of no where. All she could see was forests galore and in the far distance... mountains. On the far corner of the lawn area, surrounding one of the wooden picnic tables, was a group of teens. One of the teens in particular grabbed her attention. She noticed that she was also the center of theirs. Her attention quickly snapped away and back toward her sister who was now extending her hand out to greet school's director. Min caught up soon after and stood by her sister, watching as the two shook hands. "You must be Min," He said with a smile before offering his hand. Min hesitated slightly, but with a little encouragement from her sister beside her, she was able to shake it. She was surprised at how smooth his hands were, like a child's almost. Looking at him as he continued to converse with Fei, Min could note how handsome he was and that he wasn't much older than her sister. Probably the same age if anything too. His dark brown hair was slicked back, showcasing his boyish features. Which contradicted his voice and frame. He was slim but toned. Not too short but not too tall. The way he dressed and took care of himself suggested to Min that he came from a well of family, or at least that he was well off himself. But the way he approached them was warm and encouraging. It would be safe to assume that this man... made Min feel safe. But could he be trusted? That was the real question. Min nodded and let her eyes wander once again towards the lawn. The group of students were beginning to walk away from the table they had been sitting at and towards the school's entrance. A dark copper colored haired boy had slowed down his pace to continue looking at Min, their eyes locked. He gave her a little smirk before going on his way to catch up with his friends who now walked into the building. "Well, let's get you settled," The man clapped his hands and offered to take both of Min's bags which both Fei and Min had been holding on to -one each. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - After he and Fei spoke for a while longer about Min and more information on the school, eventually goodbyes were said and she was sent on her way back to the city they lived, in a far away state. It was safe to say that now, Min was utterly alone. "I'm Jiyong, by the way," He smiled as he led her to a small room with her bags in hand. Min's eyes widened at the size of the room, noticing that it had no other doors or windows, but after taking a huge breath, quickly recovered before he could notice. "There's no need for formalities in this school. Basically everyone is on equal playing fields with the first-name-basis rule." He motioned for Min to take a seat on the aluminum chair before setting her bags on the table in front of her. "I promise this is just procedure," He assured as he rummaged through her belongings with blue rubber gloves and a tiny flashlight. Min only continued to look at him with curious eyes as he went over everything. He checked through every single thing, making sure not to let one crack or crevice go un-searched. He was surprisingly thorough, even checking the folds of her toothpaste and smelling all of her lotions and perfumes. It was a good thing she wasn't a druggy or else that would've been incredibly awkward. Especially is she was trying to smuggle something in. "So, before we go on with the tour, there are just a few things I have to say." He waited on Min to which she simply nodded in understanding. He found amusement in her quiet but obedient nature and continued with the introductions. "So here at The Falls, you are expected to go camping, rock climbing and hiking with your assigned group members. There are 10 day quests and the like, which are to test your will, courage, as well as mental and physical strengths. You still have classes and have do homework just like in any other high school. A little later you will be put into one of six groups: the cliffhangers, the ridgerunners, the trackers, the hitchhikers, the sundogs or the winddancers. You'll have a first week buddy to help you around and keep you from getting lost. Understood?" "Pretty clear," She said and she could've sworn that she saw Jiyong's eyes light up when she did. "She speaks," He responded impressed, a hint of laughter to his words. "I'm gonna send in the nurse for your physical and then we can continue, okay?" "Okay." She took a breath as she stayed in her seat, trying to control the hysteria that wanted to burst through her. As Jiyong made his way toward the door, he suddenly stopped and turned back to face her. "Why didn't you speak before?" He asked curiously, one of his brows arching on instinct. Min laughed softly. So this is why he's a councilor. Seemed he was a lot more perceptive then she gave him credit for. "I didn't find the need to until I was asked a direct question." He nodded. "So you're one of those, huh?" "I guess," She shrugged. He laughed a little and went on his way, sending the nurse in soon after. It felt good to get out of the room as she was led to the nurses office. There she had her weight and height checked, got a drug test, and a complete blood analysis. Everything. This was good for Min as she hadn't had any of that done in years, not since her mother died at least. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - After the physical, Min was led back outside to the lawn where she met with Jiyong once again. It still boggled her how someone so young could become a councilor, let alone the director of the entire school. "Alright. Now I'll be telling you the rules of this place, so make sure to listen carefully," He began seriously. "No ual . No Drugs. No Alcohol. No Violence. No inappropriate touching. You'll be expected to do your chores: chopping firewood, kitchen duties, keeping the common areas clean, doing your own laundry and keeping your dorm spotless. But those are shared not only amongst your peers but the faculty and staff here as well. Like I said, we pick up the slack together. I've already mentioned attending class and doing your homework but you also need to attend group and participate. Let me make it clear that breaking any one of these rules will not be tolerated. As long as you don't run or break the rules you will be just fine. Keep in mind that we can't keep you from running. But it is pretty stupid considering that the nearest town is 25 miles away." "Who would run from here?" She thought out loud not really expecting an answer. "You'd be surprised how many kids want to go back to their old lives," He replied solemnly, his eyes far away in the distance. His attention was definitely somewhere else. Min shuddered silently at the thought. Who in their right mind would want to do that? Following Jiyong, who walked in front of her holding onto her two black duffel bags, the two headed far behind the school, following a wooden staircase built onto the hill they were passing over to get to the dormitories. "You'll be joining the cliffhanger group. This is their dorms. The boys in on the left and the girls is towards the right." Min nodded and turned around. From where she stood, she could basically see over everything. To the left side, the opposite from where she entered on the right was the lake-side and further back was the river. Surrounding the cabins and dorm was all dense forest area. "Everything's so... accessible," She said, a hint of uncertainty to it as she saw at how vast and open everything was. "This isn't a prison," Jiyong responded simply as he stood behind her, on he cabin porch. He waved for her to follow him to which she did. He left the door open and led her inside. Min's eyes widened. Everything was so bright and pristine. There were a total of six beds: three to the right and three to the left. With personal desks separating each one. The backboard of the bed was built like a bookshelf which could hold any of their personal belongings. She was pleased with the size of the cabin itself, and in the far back, she could see the personal cubby-like closets and a door in the center which she assumed led to the bathroom. Everything was made of wood, of course, but the light lilac walls and baby blue bed spreads gave it all a homey touch. "Like I said, you're free to go if you please. The choice is up to you. But I do prefer that you stay, because the unfortunate reality is... that there is no where else to go. You can go back home, but odds are you'll only end up back here, if not in juvie, the streets, a foster home, or the hospital." Jiyong then went and placed her bags in front of the foot of what she assumed to be her new bed. "If not dead," She muttered in addition as she walked in and traced her hands over her bed. The first one on the left side. "Exactly," His voice was sad. "You're my responsibility but I have no right to force you into anything or control you in any way. It's why I try to get my students to trust me, because I prefer them here, where they have a shot to graduate and live a successful life, over not living one at all." He sighed and stood leaning against the wall by the entrance. Min was still wrapping her head around everything. Taking it all in. "Do you know why we call this place The Falls?" He asked suddenly, grabbing her attention once again. "No idea," She shook her head. "Because no matter how many times you fall... know that you are capable of standing right back up. The falls in life can sometimes makes us feel like we can't go on. It can sometimes bring out our worst and makes us feel weak and vulnerable. We named our school this as a way to remind us of those struggles and to grow stronger because of them. This is a place that can make you feel safe. That can let you say that it's alright." Min listened intently as he continued. It did make sense after all. "It's located in the mountain, because it's one of the few places that can allow us to find solace with the earth. So we can take the time to slow down, catch out breaths, appreciate the small things and realize that the world is a lot bigger than what it is and that we don't have to stay in that rut we've made for ourselves. The possibilities are limitless, and you can find that here." "You..." She focused on the man before her who spoke so passionately. "You were one of us." He smiled his bright smile. "I was." Min nodded. She didn't have to go any further or know any more. This was why she felt comfortable with him. He knew what it was like. H
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The first day of school is always hard. But not when it's in a place you've never been before with people you've never met. No. That's much harder. For Min, that was exactly how she felt as she walked up the path toward the brand new school that she would be attending. Or rather, the one she was forced to attend. After living on the streets for almost four months, her older sister finally found her roaming around and had her admitted. This was the most ideal place to turn to for help. Better than any juvenile center, rehab facility or psychiatric ward could offer. She would never consider taking Min to any of those places. She deserved the best and safest option. The option that wouldn't treat her like she was some kind of freak or criminal. Min was just a runaway. She was struggling to fit in and deal with the death of their mother from a few years prior. All she had was her older sister, Fei, now. But she had been living away since she graduated high school long before their mother passed. Fei blamed herself for leaving her behind alone with their stepfather, but she didn't think it would be that bad. The change must've been too much for her. It was just a phase and only natural of her to be rebelling. Or so Fei believed was the case. "You're gonna be fine, you know?" Fei said positively to her younger sister of six years, who walked silently beside her. "This place is safe. It's exactly what you need to get you back to your old self again." Min continued with her silence as her eyes glanced around at her new surroundings. She took a deep breath. The air there was something else. "At least the air is fresh," Fei echoed Min's thoughts. "Guess that's the perks of being located in the mountains." That's right, Min thought to herself. Where they were now was located high in the mountains. Thousands of miles away from her city home and from her previous life. But for some reason... it felt good to get away. She watched and saw people walking around, talking, laughing, living life as normal. It didn't seem like one of those horrid institutes at all. In fact, it resembled a normal high school. Granted, it was much fancier and located pretty much in the middle of no where. All she could see was forests galore and in the far distance... mountains. On the far corner of the lawn area, surrounding one of the wooden picnic tables, was a group of teens. One of the teens in particular grabbed her attention. She noticed that she was also the center of theirs. Her attention quickly snapped away and back toward her sister who was now extending her hand out to greet school's director. Min caught up soon after and stood by her sister, watching as the two shook hands. "You must be Min," He said with a smile before offering his hand. Min hesitated slightly, but with a little encouragement from her sister beside her, she was able to shake it. She was surprised at how smooth his hands were, like a child's almost. Looking at him as he continued to converse with Fei, Min could note how handsome he was and that he wasn't much older than her sister. Probably the same age if anything too. His dark brown hair was slicked back, showcasing his boyish features. Which contradicted his voice and frame. He was slim but toned. Not too short but not too tall. The way he dressed and took care of himself suggested to Min that he came from a well of family, or at least that he was well off himself. But the way he approached them was warm and encouraging. It would be safe to assume that this man... made Min feel safe. But could he be trusted? That was the real question. Min nodded and let her eyes wander once again towards the lawn. The group of students were beginning to walk away from the table they had been sitting at and towards the school's entrance. A dark copper colored haired boy had slowed down his pace to continue looking at Min, their eyes locked. He gave her a little smirk before going on his way to catch up with his friends who now walked into the building. "Well, let's get you settled," The man clapped his hands and offered to take both of Min's bags which both Fei and Min had been holding on to -one each. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - After he and Fei spoke for a while longer about Min and more information on the school, eventually goodbyes were said and she was sent on her way back to the city they lived, in a far away state. It was safe to say that now, Min was utterly alone. "I'm Jiyong, by the way," He smiled as he led her to a small room with her bags in hand. Min's eyes widened at the size of the room, noticing that it had no other doors or windows, but after taking a huge breath, quickly recovered before he could notice. "There's no need for formalities in this school. Basically everyone is on equal playing fields with the first-name-basis rule." He motioned for Min to take a seat on the aluminum chair before setting her bags on the table in front of her. "I promise this is just procedure," He assured as he rummaged through her belongings with blue rubber gloves and a tiny flashlight. Min only continued to look at him with curious eyes as he went over everything. He checked through every single thing, making sure not to let one crack or crevice go un-searched. He was surprisingly thorough, even checking the folds of her toothpaste and smelling all of her lotions and perfumes. It was a good thing she wasn't a druggy or else that would've been incredibly awkward. Especially is she was trying to smuggle something in. "So, before we go on with the tour, there are just a few things I have to say." He waited on Min to which she simply nodded in understanding. He found amusement in her quiet but obedient nature and continued with the introductions. "So here at The Falls, you are expected to go camping, rock climbing and hiking with your assigned group members. There are 10 day quests and the like, which are to test your will, courage, as well as mental and physical strengths. You still have classes and have do homework just like in any other high school. A little later you will be put into one of six groups: the cliffhangers, the ridgerunners, the trackers, the hitchhikers, the sundogs or the winddancers. You'll have a first week buddy to help you around and keep you from getting lost. Understood?" "Pretty clear," She said and she could've sworn that she saw Jiyong's eyes light up when she did. "She speaks," He responded impressed, a hint of laughter to his words. "I'm gonna send in the nurse for your physical and then we can continue, okay?" "Okay." She took a breath as she stayed in her seat, trying to control the hysteria that wanted to burst through her. As Jiyong made his way toward the door, he suddenly stopped and turned back to face her. "Why didn't you speak before?" He asked curiously, one of his brows arching on instinct. Min laughed softly. So this is why he's a councilor. Seemed he was a lot more perceptive then she gave him credit for. "I didn't find the need to until I was asked a direct question." He nodded. "So you're one of those, huh?" "I guess," She shrugged. He laughed a little and went on his way, sending the nurse in soon after. It felt good to get out of the room as she was led to the nurses office. There she had her weight and height checked, got a drug test, and a complete blood analysis. Everything. This was good for Min as she hadn't had any of that done in years, not since her mother died at least. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - After the physical, Min was led back outside to the lawn where she met with Jiyong once again. It still boggled her how someone so young could become a councilor, let alone the director of the entire school. "Alright. Now I'll be telling you the rules of this place, so make sure to listen carefully," He began seriously. "No ual . No Drugs. No Alcohol. No Violence. No inappropriate touching. You'll be expected to do your chores: chopping firewood, kitchen duties, keeping the common areas clean, doing your own laundry and keeping your dorm spotless. But those are shared not only amongst your peers but the faculty and staff here as well. Like I said, we pick up the slack together. I've already mentioned attending class and doing your homework but you also need to attend group and participate. Let me make it clear that breaking any one of these rules will not be tolerated. As long as you don't run or break the rules you will be just fine. Keep in mind that we can't keep you from running. But it is pretty stupid considering that the nearest town is 25 miles away." "Who would run from here?" She thought out loud not really expecting an answer. "You'd be surprised how many kids want to go back to their old lives," He replied solemnly, his eyes far away in the distance. His attention was definitely somewhere else. Min shuddered silently at the thought. Who in their right mind would want to do that? Following Jiyong, who walked in front of her holding onto her two black duffel bags, the two headed far behind the school, following a wooden staircase built onto the hill they were passing over to get to the dormitories. "You'll be joining the cliffhanger group. This is their dorms. The boys in on the left and the girls is towards the right." Min nodded and turned around. From where she stood, she could basically see over everything. To the left side, the opposite from where she entered on the right was the lake-side and further back was the river. Surrounding the cabins and dorm was all dense forest area. "Everything's so... accessible," She said, a hint of uncertainty to it as she saw at how vast and open everything was. "This isn't a prison," Jiyong responded simply as he stood behind her, on he cabin porch. He waved for her to follow him to which she did. He left the door open and led her inside. Min's eyes widened. Everything was so bright and pristine. There were a total of six beds: three to the right and three to the left. With personal desks separating each one. The backboard of the bed was built like a bookshelf which could hold any of their personal belongings. She was pleased with the size of the cabin itself, and in the far back, she could see the personal cubby-like closets and a door in the center which she assumed led to the bathroom. Everything was made of wood, of course, but the light lilac walls and baby blue bed spreads gave it all a homey touch. "Like I said, you're free to go if you please. The choice is up to you. But I do prefer that you stay, because the unfortunate reality is... that there is no where else to go. You can go back home, but odds are you'll only end up back here, if not in juvie, the streets, a foster home, or the hospital." Jiyong then went and placed her bags in front of the foot of what she assumed to be her new bed. "If not dead," She muttered in addition as she walked in and traced her hands over her bed. The first one on the left side. "Exactly," His voice was sad. "You're my responsibility but I have no right to force you into anything or control you in any way. It's why I try to get my students to trust me, because I prefer them here, where they have a shot to graduate and live a successful life, over not living one at all." He sighed and stood leaning against the wall by the entrance. Min was still wrapping her head around everything. Taking it all in. "Do you know why we call this place The Falls?" He asked suddenly, grabbing her attention once again. "No idea," She shook her head. "Because no matter how many times you fall... know that you are capable of standing right back up. The falls in life can sometimes makes us feel like we can't go on. It can sometimes bring out our worst and makes us feel weak and vulnerable. We named our school this as a way to remind us of those struggles and to grow stronger because of them. This is a place that can make you feel safe. That can let you say that it's alright." Min listened intently as he continued. It did make sense after all. "It's located in the mountain, because it's one of the few places that can allow us to find solace with the earth. So we can take the time to slow down, catch out breaths, appreciate the small things and realize that the world is a lot bigger than what it is and that we don't have to stay in that rut we've made for ourselves. The possibilities are limitless, and you can find that here." "You..." She focused on the man before her who spoke so passionately. "You were one of us." He smiled his bright smile. "I was." Min nodded. She didn't have to go any further or know any more. This was why she felt comfortable with him. He knew what it was like. H
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