Jane Allen, Junior

A crisp September afternoon drapes Wellington College’s leafy campus in golden light, and a lively cluster of juniors has claimed the poplar‑lined lawn for their first‑day gathering. Their chatter flits from playful jokes about the lingering summer warmth to earnest speculation about climate, science projects, and the odd “whisper” that seems to hover over the trees. Each voice—Ted’s boisterous grin, Maud’s shy curiosity, Dozia’s fearless confidence—adds a distinct hue to the tapestry of teenage camaraderie.

Amid the laughter, a subtle tension builds: everyone is waiting for Jane Allen, the girl who usually leads their gatherings, yet she remains unseen. Her absence sparks whispered theories and a growing sense that something beyond ordinary schoolyard drama may be unfolding. As the friends tease, argue, and comfort one another, the stage is set for a year that promises more than just classes—it hints at secrets waiting to surface under the rustling poplars.