The Lost Students
Chapter Six: The Mysterious Hall
Louay was restless, pacing through the school halls, searching for anything that could help them escape. He wasn't in any better shape than Narjis and Salma, who worked together, driven by fading hope, even though the place itself felt like it had no intention of letting them go.
Meanwhile, Adam had made his way to the cafeteria, rummaging through the cupboards and tables, hoping to find something—anything—that might open a path to salvation. As he searched, he heard a faint crunch—a bite into an apple. Quiet, yet unmistakable in the silence that blanketed the place.
He paused, his senses sharpening. Quietly, he moved toward the sound, behind a curtain. He assumed it was Ziad, but as he pulled the curtain back, he was surprised to find Khadija sitting on the floor, casually eating an apple. She had two more in her other hand.
Adam asked sharply,
"What are you doing here?"
Khadija replied coolly, raising her apple like a challenge,
"Eating some apples. Do you have a problem with that?"
Adam frowned and responded with irritation,
"That's our food supply! What will we do if it runs out?"
Khadija chuckled mockingly, took another bite, and said with complete indifference,
"Simple... we'll starve to death. Hahaha."
She then walked out of the cafeteria with arrogance, leaving behind a wave of frustration and anger.
Wandering aimlessly through the corridors, Khadija suddenly caught sight of Fatima sneaking through the hallway, moving quickly as if she didn't want to be seen. Her curiosity piqued, Khadija decided to follow her.
In the gym, Ammar was fully immersed in his workout when Haroun walked in, glancing around like he was searching for something.
Ammar asked bluntly,
"What are you looking for?"
Haroun, moving some equipment aside, replied,
"Anything that can help us get out. I can't take Ziad's behavior anymore."
Just then, the gym doors opened again and Adam rushed in. He met Haroun's gaze and was about to mention the incident with Khadija, but Haroun asked first,
"Did you find anything useful?"
Adam shook his head regretfully,
"No... not yet."
Ammar, drenched in sweat, grunted,
"Can I just work out in peace? You're both annoying me."
Haroun was about to respond, but Adam stopped him with a quick gesture. He didn't want another argument. They left the gym in silence.
Meanwhile, Khadija continued to follow Fatima, who was now standing before a closed hall, trying to peek through a tiny window. Inside was nothing but pitch-black darkness. When Fatima turned to leave, she was startled to find Khadija standing right in front of her.
Khadija asked, curiosity mixed with suspicion,
"What are you doing here? And what is this room?"
Fatima stammered, trying to come up with a believable answer,
"I... found it by accident."
Khadija laughed sarcastically,
"You're lying."
She stared at her in deep thought, then whispered slyly,
"Could it be... you're one of them?"
Fatima raised her eyebrows in surprise,
"One of who? What are you talking about?"
Khadija accused her sharply,
"One of the kidnappers. You're always calm, too calm. You didn't even try to help Narjis when she came to you for help. And now you're hiding this hall from us."
Fatima responded nervously,
"No... you don't understand. It's not like that—"
Khadija cut her off with a sneer,
"Enough excuses! I'm going to tell everyone."
She turned to leave, but Fatima blocked her. A physical struggle broke out—shoving, punches, shouting. Khadija was stronger and managed to push Fatima to the ground hard. Fatima's eyes landed on a stick nearby. She grabbed it, closed her eyes for a second, and muttered to herself,
"You left me no choice."
With one swift motion, she struck Khadija on the head. Khadija collapsed, unconscious.
Panting, Fatima whispered,
"Damn it... What do I do now? I need to tie her up before she wakes."
Elsewhere in the school, Adam, Haroun, Louay, Narjis, and Salma had gathered once again. Despite their constant searching, they had found nothing that could lead them out of this strange place.
Louay groaned in frustration,
"Damn it!"
Haroun asked thoughtfully,
"Can any of you swim?"
Adam shrugged,
"No... and even if we could, the sea around us is endless. We'd never reach land."
Narjis sighed,
"This is a serious problem."
Ziad noticed their little group from afar. As usual, he couldn't resist stirring up trouble. He approached with heavy steps and mocked,
"Mind if I join your silly discussions?"
Haroun snapped,
"Silly discussions? The only silly thing here is you!"
Ziad clenched his fists,
"Wanna fight?"
Narjis groaned in boredom,
"Here we go again..."
Hani sat a little distance away, silently observing the chaos. Suddenly, he noticed Fatima passing by, carrying a chair and some ropes. He stared at her in confusion but chose to stay quiet—better to avoid the trouble clearly brewing.
...To be continued.