The Day The Bell Rang In Blood Episode 1

My name is Tomilola. I was fifteen years old then, a JSS 3 student who believed school was one of the safest places on earth. That morning began like every other weekday ordinary, predictable, and calm. I woke up before dawn to the familiar sound of my mother calling my name, her voice firm but loving. I dragged myself out of bed, still half-asleep, already complaining in my heart about the long day ahead.

After bathing and putting on my neatly pressed uniform, I packed my books carefully. I had a test that day, and my only worry was whether I remembered everything I read the night before. I ate my breakfast quickly, said a short prayer, and stepped out of the house with my bag hanging loosely on my shoulder. Nothing felt wrong. Nothing felt dangerous.

When I arrived at school, the compound was alive with noise students laughing, shouting, and running around like it was any other day. The assembly bell rang, and we lined up under the rising sun. The principal spoke about discipline and focus, warning us to stay away from bad influences. I remember thinking his words were just another routine lecture. I never imagined how ironic they would soon become.

After assembly, we moved to our classrooms. The first lesson went smoothly. Our teacher was strict, but the class was calm. By the second period, however, I noticed something strange. Some senior students kept passing by our class, whispering to one another. Their faces were hard, serious, nothing like the playful expressions we were used to seeing. I felt a slight uneasiness but brushed it aside. Seniors were always acting mysterious.

As break time approached, the atmosphere changed. The air felt heavy, like it was pressing down on my chest. The usual excitement that came with break was missing. Instead of laughter, there were murmurs. Instead of running, there was tension. I heard someone say, “Something is about to happen,” but I didn’t understand what they meant.

When the bell finally rang for break, we stepped out cautiously. I held my friend’s hand as we walked toward the corridor, still unaware that danger was already inside the school walls. Teachers looked alert, moving faster than usual. Some students began to retreat back into their classrooms.

Then, suddenly, a loud scream echoed across the compound.

Everyone froze.

In that moment, I felt fear for the first time not the normal fear of punishment or exams, but a deep, unsettling fear that told me something terrible had just begun.

Continue reading Episode 2