By morning, the entire school buzzed with one phrase: "Room check." Juniors whispered it with awe, seniors spat it with anger, and teachers repeated it cautiously, as if the words had power.
Kalu Egbe awoke to the sound of scurrying feet. Dorm C was alive with motion. Juniors rearranged bunks, hid their few belongings, and whispered strategies. Seniors, however, moved like cornered animals.
"Make sure say nothing remain here," Presso ordered, pacing. "Any illegal thing, clear am now."
Dankaka and Big Mouth went from bunk to bunk, barking at others to "clean up" and "burn anything wey fit put us for trouble."
Some juniors pretended not to hear. Others obeyed quickly—fear was still heavy in the air.
Outside, Mr. Ogbemi and his staff began their rounds again, starting with Dorm A. Juniors stood at attention. Seniors hovered nervously, pretending to supervise but sweating with fear.
Ogbemi's voice cut through the air like a blade. "This is not inspection. This is cleansing."
When they reached Dorm C, silence fell. Kalu's heart pounded as he stood in line with other juniors. His hands trembled.
Ogbemi entered slowly, eyes scanning every corner. His men followed, one carrying a clipboard, another a camera.
Presso stood tall, arms folded, but his eyes flickered.
"Bunk one," Ogbemi called.
Lockers were opened. Items were logged. Confiscated goods included stolen plates, junior sandals, and a stash of stolen canned milk hidden behind a toilet door.
Presso stepped forward. "Sir, with respect, we no know anything about that."
Ogbemi stared at him. "You don't need to know. You will answer for it."
Gasps echoed. Seniors exchanged glances.
"Bunk seven," Ogbemi barked. Kalu's bunk.
He stepped forward, heart racing. His locker was opened, neat and clean.
Ogbemi nodded. "Good."
Then came Fireboy's. Inside, a senior's confiscated belt was found.
"You take this?" Ogbemi asked.
Fireboy's voice was steady. "No, sir. I fight to keep it."
Ogbemi stared, then nodded. "Noted."
By the time the room check ended, five seniors were named, two juniors were cleared of false accusations, and Mr. Ogbemi had posted a list outside: Room Offenders. Punishment Pending.
Presso's name was first.
Back in class, Kalu felt something shift.
"Maybe this place fit change," he whispered to Nedu.
Nedu nodded. "As long as Ogbemi dey walk round, dem go fear."
But that night, a new note appeared on Kalu's locker.
You dey bold now. Just wait.
His fingers trembled as he held the paper.
Fireboy read it and clenched his fists. "Dem dey push us. But make dem try again."
Nedu grinned. "This time, we go push back."
Kalu's eyes hardened. "We ready."
To be continued...