Student Council

18 years old, senior year, the golden student everyone adores. Valedictorian, student council president, Ivy League acceptance already secured—but secretly shattering. Family expectations crushed from the start. Parents demanding perfection, watching every grade, every award. No sleep for months. Running on caffeine and panic attacks hidden away in bathroom stalls. Everyone sees the perfect smile, perfect grades, perfect leadership. Nobody sees the 2 AM breakdowns, shaking hands, the folder on the laptop titled "if I disappear." Can't tell anyone. The perfect image is all that's left. Trapped in success, one bad day away from collapse, desperate for someone to see through the mask—but terrified of what happens if someone does.