Witherwood Reform School by Obert Skye

them normal questions like “How old are you?” He asked them less normal questions like “Are you allergic to any animals?” And he asked them completely ridiculous questions like “Have you ever gotten sick while riding an amusement park ride?”
    â€œWhat kind of question is that?” Charlotte asked.
    â€œIt is an unusual question, but a question just the same,” he reminded them. “Just answer please.”
    â€œI’d rather not,” Charlotte said.
    Orrin scribbled something on a piece of paper and stood up. He stretched, giving both children a clear view of the yellow sweat stains under his armpits. He dropped his arms and cleared his throat.
    â€œWe don’t get many surprise students,” he said, staring at Tobias. “We are very selective and have a strict … approval process.”
    â€œThen maybe we should just go,” Tobias said.
    â€œI don’t think so,” Orrin replied, vigorously scratching at the rash on his right arm. “It is wonderful to have you here. Besides, we could use your help.”
    â€œHelp?” Charlotte asked. “The sign outside said this was a school.”
    â€œDon’t believe everything you read.”
    â€œSo this isn’t a school?” Tobias asked.
    â€œOf course Witherwood is a school.” Orrin nodded. “It’s actually a great institute of scientific learning. And I must say, it seems fortuitous that you dropped in when you did.”
    â€œFortuitous?” Charlotte mumbled in disbelief.
    â€œI know, it’s a big word for a kid,” Orrin said patronizingly. “No need for you to use it. I believe certain words are for certain ages. You may want to stick to a vocabulary more suited to your age.”
    â€œSo this is a school that believes in bad vocabulary?” Tobias jumped in.
    â€œThis is an institution that believes in furthering the cause of science and wonder. We are not a dictionary.”
    â€œThat makes no sense,” Charlotte pointed out.
    â€œAh, children.” Orrin stared at Charlotte with his mixed eyes. “You both seem nice, honest. But you’re really just young and … well, that’s about it. I suppose your smaller arms can reach behind cabinets to get things that have fallen, but I’m not sure what else you offer. Yes, I hate to say it—I’m afraid youth is wasted on the ignorant.”
    Orrin took a few minutes to preach to the Eggers kids about the importance of being obedient. It was a typical grown-up sermon that left Tobias and Charlotte feeling even more desperate and unhappy about where they were. When he was finished, Orrin stood up, smiled, and told them to follow.
    Like an ugly dungeon master, Orrin retrieved a set of keys from one of his front pockets. He jingled the keys and then pinched a gold one with his index finger and thumb. He stepped over to a trophy case and slid the glass front open. With his right hand, he pushed a loose tile on the wall and exposed a keyhole.
    â€œWe’d go through the main hall,” Orrin explained, “but there’s something going on in there that we should probably avoid.”
    Orrin stuck the key in the hole and turned. The lock clicked, and he pulled open the back of the trophy case, exposing a large doorway.
    â€œThat would be kinda cool if I wasn’t so scared,” Charlotte whispered to Tobias.
    â€œI agree,” her brother whispered back.
    Orrin turned and looked at them. “There are many things here that might surprise you. I’m still learning of new halls and closets. Of course you’ll not need to bother with such things. Watch your head as we step down.”
    The three of them walked through the hidden door. Charlotte stayed right behind her brother, holding on to the back of his hoodie as if it were her lifeline.
    The trophy case was an entrance into a large room that had much more character than the office. The space