Scene – Greg’s Hostel Room, Friday EveningIt had been three days since Helena blocked him.Three days of sleepless nights.Three days of his phone feeling like dead weight in his palm.Greg had just finished logging a solo navigation drill when a knock landed on his door again—sharp, familiar.He froze.He already knew who it was.He opened the door halfway.Anna.She was in jeans this time, holding a paper bag."Thought you could use dinner," she said with a smile. "You’ve looked stressed lately."Greg didn’t return the smile. “What are you doing here?”“I told you. I brought food.”“I didn’t ask for food,” he said, stepping outside and shutting the door behind him so she couldn’t enter.Her expression faltered, just slightly. “Are you still mad?”“I’m not mad,” he said flatly. “I’m disgusted.”Anna folded her arms, tilting her head. “Wow. That’s harsh.”“What you did wasn’t just wrong—it was manipulative,” Greg said, eyes locked on hers. “You walked into my space after I said no. Y
Scene – Helena’s Dorm Room, MidnightThe food container still trembled on her lap, untouched. The noodles had gone cold. Her phone screen flashed every few minutes with Greg’s name—calls, texts, voice notes.Helena stared blankly at it, her heart a whirlwind of betrayal and confusion.She’d walked into that room hoping to surprise him. Instead, she was the one surprised—by the image of a girl standing too close, Greg frozen, and silence that said too much.Missed Call: Greg (7)Text: Helena, please. It’s not what you think.Voice Note: Just let me explain. Please. I didn’t… I didn’t do anything.Her hand trembled as she clicked “Block Contact.”The phone stopped buzzing.But the silence that followed?It was deafening.Scene – Tessy’s Bed, Later That NightHelena had crawled into Tessy’s room without a word, curled up under the covers, and pressed her face into her best friend’s shoulder.Tessy held her without asking questions.After a long pause, Helena whispered, “She was touching
Scene – Flight Academy, Joint Simulation Briefing RoomThe cadet wing was unusually lively that morning. Today’s session was a joint simulation between pilot trainees and flight hostess students, designed to test communication during emergency protocols.Greg adjusted his headset as he scanned the room. That’s when she walked in—Anna.She was tall, with striking hazel eyes and hair that bounced like it belonged in a commercial. Her uniform fit perfectly, and her smile seemed curated for attention.She caught his gaze, tilted her head, and winked.Greg blinked, looked away, and tightened his grip on his checklist.Scene – In the SimulatorPaired randomly, Greg was assigned Anna as his flight attendant for the drill.“Looks like we’re partners,” she said, sliding into the co-cabin seat beside him.“Yep,” Greg said, professional. “Let’s keep it smooth.”Anna leaned in slightly. “You’re Greg Dalton, right? The one who passed the turbulence test on his first try?”Greg gave a polite nod. “
Scene – Whispering Palms Resort, Badagry – Saturday AfternoonThe cab rolled to a stop beneath towering palm trees, the breeze carrying the salty scent of the lagoon. Greg stepped out first, sunglasses on, hands in pockets, grinning at the sight of the tranquil blue water ahead.“Okay,” he said, stretching. “This is officially the best idea we’ve ever had.”Helena stepped out next, arms wide. “Sunshine. Peace. No courtrooms. No cockpits. Just vibes.”Tessy emerged with a wide-brimmed hat and a pineapple smoothie already in hand. “Correction: me being here is the best idea we’ve ever had.”Leo followed, camera slung around his neck. “I came for photos of palm trees. I stayed for chaos.”They laughed together, the sound light and familiar—years of trials, healing, and growth woven into the comfort of each other’s company.Scene – The Chalet by the WaterTheir room was a wooden bungalow with two large beds, a hammock on the porch, and the lagoon practically humming outside their window.
Scene – Brentford University, Fine Arts Block – AfternoonSunlight filtered through the dusty windows of the art studio. Easels lined the room, half-covered in sketches and half-forgotten dreams. Tessy stood near the back wall, frowning at a large poster board with a blank canvas mocking her.“I can’t believe I let you drag me into this,” she muttered, arms folded.Leo appeared behind her, balancing a box of paints and brushes like it was sacred treasure. “You said you needed an elective.”“I didn’t say I wanted painting as an elective.”Leo grinned. “Yet here you are. Artist in denial.”Tessy narrowed her eyes. “I’m one tantrum away from using you as the canvas.”Scene – They Begin PaintingTheir project was a mixed-media board titled “Voices Unseen.” It was for their creative expression class—a blend of art and storytelling. Leo had already sketched rough outlines of faceless figures layered in watercolor shadows.Tessy leaned in, studying the incomplete forms. “You always paint lik
Scene – Federal High Court, Abuja – MorningHelena smoothed down her navy-blue skirt suit, trying to ignore the nerves dancing in her chest. Her ID card swung gently from her lanyard: Legal Intern – Justice for All Foundation.She had imagined this day since she was a little girl pretending to cross-examine stuffed animals on her bed. But now, standing in the cold marble hallway of a real courthouse, it felt less like a dream and more like stepping into history.Dr. Ikenna, her supervising attorney, approached with a calm smile. “First case?”Helena nodded. “First real one.”“Watch everything. Not just the words—but who they protect. Who they forget.”She followed him into Courtroom 3. It smelled of old wood, polish, and tension.Scene – Inside the CourtroomThe judge entered. Everyone rose. The case began.A girl, no older than fourteen, sat in the defendant’s box—thin, shaking, barely holding herself upright. She’d been accused of stealing her madam’s necklace. No legal guardian. No