The tragic death of a Divine Gift University student cast a shadow over the school, leaving a bitter taste in everyone's mouths. The administration declared the following day lecture-free, intending to use the time to mourn the loss of one of their own and reflect on the heartbreaking incident
Though not a common occurrence, this was not the first time a student or staff member had succumbed to a snake bite within the school's confines. The last incident had taken place over half a decade ago, and the infrequency of such events seemed to have lulled the community into a false sense of security
"Ekene, where are you going?" Grace asked, her voice carried a note of worry
"I need to investigate. Why was there a snake in the classroom in the first place?" Ekene replied, his tone conveyed his resolve
"You shouldn't let it bother you. It's something that doesn't happen often, only once in a blue moon," Grace attempted to reassure him
"That's even more troubling – The fact that it doesn't happen frequently is making everybody to treat it like it's sort of a natural disaster that can't stopped. As a result, nobody is taking it seriously." Ekene snapped, his voice took on a sharper edge. "Something happens once every few years, and they haven't looked into the issue? Why aren't they investigating it?"
"Well, I'd suggest a relocation rather than an investigation.. The school should move to a safer location." Grace countered
"Unfortunately, even that isn't happening." Ekene pointed out, "Now you understand what I'm saying. No one is doing anything about it"
"I support Ekene," Samuel, another friend, interjected. "It's frustrating to know that students and staffs of this school die once every few years, and no one is doing anything about it. There must be a reason behind their inaction – either because it doesn't happen frequently or something else"
"I fear that it could become more frequent soon," Ekene said, his forehead creased with anxiety
"Me too," Samuel agreed
"Well, I'm going to fetch water," Grace announced, picking up a bucket and walking away, her mind was burdened by the somber mood that had permeated her school, once a haven of tranquility
Samuel, Ekene's first friend at Divine Gift University, was a dedicated Accounting student. He had a girlfriend named Emmanuella, who was also Grace's friend. Emmanuella was an ambitious Engineering student
Moments after Grace left to fetch water, a sudden, chilling scream pierced the air. The sound of terror in Grace's voice alarmed Ekene and Samuel, who watched as she raced back toward them, frantically pointing in the direction she had come from. Her face was a mask of terror, tears streaming down her cheeks
"What is it?" Ekene asked, trying to make sense of Grace's distress
Grace continued to point, unable to form any words, as if a terrible force had robbed her of her voice.
The boys looked toward the direction she indicated, their curiosity mingling with apprehension
Deciding to investigate, they slowly approached the area where students normally fetched water, holding their breath in trepidation. As they reached the place, a horrifying sight greeted them – an empty bucket lay broken on the ground, a female student lay lifeless on the ground, two snakes crawling over her motionless body. Three other snakes lurked near the taps, their menacing presence sending chills down the boys' spines
"Hey, isn't that…?" Ekene asked, a dreadful realization dawning upon him
"What?" Samuel questioned, his voice trembling
Ekene pointed at the dead student, prompting Samuel to take a closer look. As recognition set in, a mix of fear and horror swept over Samuel's face
"Emmanuella?" Samuel called out, his voice barely a whisper. "Emmanuella!" he shouted, attempting to run towards the lifeless body of his beloved girlfriend. Ekene held him back, knowing the danger of going close to the corpse, and he led him away from the nightmarish scene