Then came footsteps. My heart nearly leapt out of my chest. Each step grew louder, heavier, closer. I wished the earth could open and swallow me up, but it remained just a wish. The shame of being caught in the girls’ urinal would finish me more than any punishment. I shut my eyes and prayed silently that my worst fear wouldn’t come true.
The gate creaked open. My eyes flew wide—only to find no one inside but me.
“Ah! How’s this possible? Where did the person go?” I muttered. That’s when I realised: the knock and the footsteps weren’t from the girls’ urinal but the boys’. Fear had played games with my mind. Oh, what fear can do!
Relieved, I took out a piece of chalk and scrawled boldly on the wall: “I love you, Priscy.” I almost added my name but thought better of it. That would have been a recipe for disaster.
Now came the tricky part—getting out without being seen. I unlocked the gate slowly, carefully, and stepped out.
I almost fainted.
There he was—the headmaster—standing not far away, hands folded behind his back, a cane dangling from his right hand. Two unlucky students knelt nearby, already victims of his wrath.
My blood ran cold. If he saw me stepping out of the girls’ urinal? I didn’t even want to imagine. Thankfully, his back was turned. I tiptoed back inside and waited. Moments later, screams pierced the air. I peeped through a small hole and saw him lashing the two students mercilessly. My knees trembled, but my lips whispered a shaky prayer of thanks. I had escaped—for now.
“All because of love? Look at me suffering. Is it just me, or does everyone pay such a heavy price for love?” I kept asking myself, but there were no answers.
When the coast was finally clear, I slipped out and hurried to class. By then, the lesson was almost over. The teacher at the door refused me entry, telling me to wait outside until the period ended. I didn’t mind; I knew soon I’d hand my letter to Priscy.
As I leaned against the wall, trying to look invisible, my peace was short-lived. The headmaster again.
“Oh, not again! Why won’t this man just sit in his office and let me have some peace?” I muttered under my breath.
He spotted me and called me over. “Why are you outside when your mates are in class?”
I told him everything, trying to sound as innocent as possible. He was about to escort me back when the closing bell rang. Saved by the bell! He turned and walked off, leaving me free.
I didn’t bother going back to class. My moment had come. I marched straight to Priscy’s classroom, excitement bubbling in my chest. But disappointment hit me squarely in the face—again. A teacher stood in front of the class. Extra lessons. My hopes deflated like a burst balloon.
Frustrated, I turned to go find Jake. But then—sweet salvation.
“KD!”
Her voice rang like music. I didn’t need to guess. Priscy.
She walked up, smiling.
“Aren’t you part of the extra classes?” I asked.
“I was, but not anymore. I want to find something to eat—and also check on you,” she replied.
My heart warmed. I assured her I was fine.
Then she said the words that cracked my soul.
“Hey KD, you know what? I’ve written a lovely letter. Can you please give it to the senior for me?”
And just like that, she handed the letter over to me.
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