~Sam~
The exams were finally over and everyone was preparing for Prom night. Tomorrow was the long-awaited vacation/graduation. I decided to spend time with Linda since I may not set eyes on her for a long time. We sat near the fountain, the splash of water echoing as we chatted. I'll miss you a lot, Linda, I said intertwining my hands with hers. The faint scent of flowers in the air mixed with the sound of the water, creating a soothing atmosphere for our conversation.

"Me too. I wish we still see each other after tomorrow," she said sadly. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow on her face. "Of course. I can always do video chats with you and maybe one day visit," I said. "I don't have a phone," she replied sadly.

My eyes grew wide in shock. I didn't expect anyone not to have a phone in this century. The gentle breeze ruffled our hair as we sat there in silence for a moment. "That doesn't mean I can't visit. Where do you leave?" I asked, hoping her place was near. "I live in Nnewi," she said. I couldn't contain my joy when she said that. I didn't know when I hugged her. The soft rustling of the leaves above us added to the emotions of the moment.

"We live at the same place, Nnewi," I said, breaking the good news to her. "Oh!" she exclaimed. The excitement in her voice was contagious, and I couldn't help but smile. Suddenly she shifted away from me, her hands crossing over her chest. "It seems you have someone else in mind for this prom," she asked.

"Who else but you?" I replied, confused. "Then do it the normal way," she said hastily. I smiled when I realized what she meant. I had to ask her myself. I got her point. It felt as if she was the man in the relationship. Always been the one chasing after me. I felt ashamed of myself.

Gently, I bent on one knee, grasping one of her hands, I asked. "Can you be my date for prom?" I said, my voice rhyming with the rhythms of the fountain. She smiled and nodded shyly. "It's my pleasure. I thought I was going to be the one asking you that," she mocked.

That night was my best night in that school. I danced hand in hand with Linda. It was truly a night to remember. After the prom, I slept properly for tomorrow's vacation. The soft, cool breeze flowing through the windows helped me relax and fall asleep.

The morning came as expected, and before 7 a.m., I was already travelling back home. I hugged all my male friends before I left- Julius, Peter, Dominion, and the rest of my roommates. Life was taking a different course now, and I knew I had to continue moving forward.

Back at home, Mum hugged me tightly. She had missed me so much. Her warm embrace reassured me that I was home. I went to my room. It still looked the same as it was when I left. I hurriedly went through my phone. What I saw shocked me. I had a lot of notifications. What did I expect? The online world didn't suddenly pause because I went to school. The faint smell of Mom's cooking wafted through the house, adding a sense of familiarity to my return.

I browsed through my WhatsApp, I saw Bliss's chat. I was curious to find what she sent to me. "Happy anniversary 💞", I read out. I was surprised to see her message. All these while I thought she had forgotten me, she didn't. She still remembered. She didn't forget our anniversary.

As I was still pondering my thoughts, a headline popped on my phone. "Mr and Mrs Hugghs have been released!" I screamed in shock as the phone fell to the ground. It only meant one thing, there was danger ahead. The sudden sound of the phone hitting the ground echoed through the room, adding to the impact of the news. I tried calling Julie, but her line wasn't reachable. I called Bliss, but there wasn't any answer. Afraid, I called Charles, but there was still no answer.
Then it dawned on me that there was trouble already. Everyone associated with me must smell it hot.
If there was one thing I was sure about. It was that the Hugghs would seek revenge at any cost. I needed to check on my grandparents. I called them on the phone, and they replied.

I was so happy to hear their voices again. At least, I was assured that they were safe. I told them that I was coming to visit which made them very happy. "We will be waiting for you," Grandma said.

I heaved a sigh of relief and lay gently on my bed. The thoughts of going back to the United States filled my mind. I will just have to convince my parents to book me a flight the next week. The softness of the bed beneath me provided a small comfort amid the turmoil.

That night, as I lay asleep in bed, I dreamt the same dream I had a long time ago about Bliss. It looked so real this time, death was chasing us. This time around, all my friends were running with me. I woke up panting. The heaviness of the air made it hard to breathe, and I could feel the sweat clinging to my skin. This wasn't an ordinary dream. Danger was on its way and I could feel it.