Episode 5: Shifting Allegiances.
Narrated by Ade.
I woke up in my new hostel, hoping that yesterday’s chaos was just a bad dream. But as I looked around the Mini Campus hostel, I realized it was all too real. The room was small, with barely enough space for the essentials. The walls were cracked, and the air was thick with the smell of dampness. It wasn’t the ideal start, but it was my new reality.
The first day at the Mini Campus hostel was a whirlwind of introductions and adjustments. I met some of the other students in the hostel, each with their own stories and frustrations about the recent changes. Among them was Samuel, a fourth-year student who seemed to know everyone and everything about the campus. His presence was a mix of arrogance and charm, and I could tell he was a major player in the hostel’s social dynamics.
“New here, huh?” Samuel asked as he eyed me with curiosity. “You’re the one who got moved from the Old Boys Hostel, right?”
I nodded, trying to mask my discomfort. “Yeah, that’s me. The change wasn’t exactly what I expected.”
Samuel chuckled. “Welcome to the real campus experience. Things don’t always go as planned, but that’s part of the adventure. Just make sure you find your place quickly. This hostel’s a tight-knit community.”
His words were both reassuring and unsettling. I could sense the unspoken rules and power struggles that lay beneath the surface of hostel life. As the day went on, I tried to settle in, meeting new people and navigating the maze of hallways that led to various parts of the hostel.
In the afternoon, I decided to visit the campus to familiarize myself with the area. The walk to the campus was long, but it gave me a chance to explore. I passed the Convocation Ground, where preparations for an upcoming event were in full swing, and the Senate Building, which stood as a symbol of the university’s authority.
As I wandered through the campus, I ran into Chukwudi, who had come to check on me. He looked relieved to see me and asked how things were going.
“It’s been a bit rough,” I admitted. “The new hostel isn’t great, but I’m managing. How’s everything on your end?”
Chukwudi shrugged. “It’s the same old story. Things are chaotic everywhere. I heard from Nkechi that there’s been some talk about these hostel changes being more than just administrative mistakes.”
I raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
Chukwudi hesitated before continuing. “There are rumors that the hostel mix-up might be part of a larger scheme. Some students believe that there’s been favoritism or even corruption involved in the assignments.”
His words struck a chord. The idea that there might be something sinister behind the hostel assignments added another layer of complexity to an already confusing situation. I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to the story.
Later in the evening, I attended a campus fellowship meeting, hoping to find some solace and a sense of community. The meeting was held in a small hall with makeshift seating. The atmosphere was warm, and the people were welcoming. Nkechi was there, and she greeted me with a smile.
“Ade, I’m glad you could make it!” Nkechi said. “We’re just about to start. Join us.”
I took a seat, trying to focus on the fellowship activities. The sense of camaraderie and support was comforting, but my mind kept drifting back to the rumors about the hostel assignments.
After the meeting, Nkechi approached me. “How’s everything going at the Mini Campus hostel?”
I sighed. “It’s been tough. I’m trying to adjust, but there’s something off about the whole situation. Chukwudi mentioned that there might be more to the hostel mix-up than meets the eye.”
Nkechi’s expression turned serious. “I’ve heard the same rumors. Some students believe that certain people are benefiting from the confusion, and there might be some truth to it. We need to stay alert and keep each other informed.”
Her words left me with a sense of unease. If there was a deeper issue at play, it could have serious implications for everyone involved. I resolved to keep my eyes and ears open, hoping to uncover the truth behind the hostel assignments.
As the night settled in, I returned to my room, reflecting on the day’s events. The uncertainty surrounding the hostel situation, combined with the rumors of corruption, left me feeling uneasy. I knew that I had to stay vigilant and find a way to navigate this complex web of intrigue and alliances.
Just before I went to bed, I received a message from Chukwudi. It was a short note that read, “There’s something strange going on with the hostel assignments. Keep your eyes open.”
The message was cryptic but hinted at something significant. The sense of mystery and potential danger was palpable, and I knew that the days ahead would be crucial in unraveling the truth.
