Weeks passed. The dust of the old era slowly settled, but its echoes lingered in the halls, in the gazes exchanged, in the memory of bruises and silent nights.
Kalu Egbe stood by the school gate, watching the sun dip behind the distant hills. Another term was ending. The parade ground was quiet, classrooms locked, dormitories half-empty.
He held his bag tightly, his fingers tracing the scuffed leather handle. Across the yard, juniors waved goodbye to friends. Laughter floated in the air—free, genuine.
Nedu approached, dragging his metal box. "So, this na how term go end. Peaceful like breeze."
Kalu smiled. "I never think say I go leave FGC without running."
Fireboy joined them, a faint scar on his arm from that final night. "We still dey. And we strong."
A car honked near the gate. Parents waited. The school was changing, but slowly. Mr. Ogbemi's presence remained a force. Seniors walked in lines now—disciplined, subdued.
The dining hall was cleaner, the borehole had new plumbing, and dormitories had locks that worked. A matron now patrolled at night, ensuring lights out meant peace—not fear.
Kalu looked back at the hostel, its windows reflecting the soft light.
"Next term," he said, "we go be seniors."
Nedu raised an eyebrow. "You ready?"
Kalu nodded. "I no go be like them. Never."
Fireboy grinned. "We go guard this peace."
They walked to the gate together, passing a new notice on the wall: "No Student Above the Rules." Underneath it, faded words still lingered—remnants of fear. But above them now stood hope.
Kalu paused, taking in the sight of the school compound—so familiar, yet so different. He remembered his first night, the bucket he carried, the water stolen, the threats whispered.
And now, here he was, whole. Changed.
A junior boy ran past them, laughing freely. The boy tripped, and Kalu reached out, steadying him. The boy smiled shyly. "Thank you, Senior."
Kalu blinked, heart catching at the word. Senior. He had survived.
As they stepped out, Kalu glanced back one last time.
"Nna m ichi oke... Old FGC, you try break me. But I still stand."
And with that, he stepped forward—into freedom, into tomorrow.
End.