Chapter 5: The Weight Of Responsibility

Tunde's inner dialogue continued, a constant tug of war between seeking help and shouldering the burden alone. He felt the weight of responsibility as the eldest sibling, not wanting to add to his family's worries. Yet, the voice of reason whispered that his siblings, Funke and Tayo would want to support him.

As he walked back to his dorm, lost in thought, he almost collided with a figure standing in the shadow. It was Olayemi, his course mate who had visited him earlier.

"Tunde, I need to tell you something", Olayemi said, his eyes darting around cautiously. "I've been noticing strange things happening around you. I think you are in danger, and I want to help". 

Tunde's heart skipped a beat. Was this the sign he needed to open up to someone? Or was it a trap? His mind raced with questions as he hesitated, unsure of what to do next.....

"Come in", Tunde said finally, ushering Olayemi into his room. 

Although he ushered Olayemi into his room, but he was just staring at him probably waiting for him to stir a conversation as he was the one who said he wanted to tell him something, but he was thinking what could it be.

"What could it be?" He never knew he said that aloud.

Olayemi stared hard at him to know what he has been thinking since he got in but couldn't see or read through him because he maintained a straight face,, though he wasn't frowning nor smiling.

As they sat down, Tunde couldn't help but stare at Olayemi, waiting for him to speak. "What could it be?" he muttered aloud, his eyes fixed on Olayemi's serious expression.

Olayemi's gaze intensified, as if trying to read Tunde's thoughts, "I know you're hiding something, Tunde. Something big. And I want to help you carry that burden".

Tunde's eyes narrowed slightly, his mind racing with questions. How did Olayemi know? What did he know? And could he trust him?

Tunde's gaze remained fixed on Olayemi, his mind racing with questions. Instead of responding to Olayemi's statement, he decided to ask, "What is it that you want to tell me, Olayemi? You said you needed to talk to me about something. What is it?"

Olayemi's expression turned grave, his eyes locked onto Tunde's.

"I've been noticing strange occurrences around campus, Tunde. Things that don't add up. And I think you're somehow connected to it all?

His heart began to race, his mind racing with possibility. What did Olayemi know? And how did he fit into the puzzle?

"Go on! Tunde urged, his voice barely above a whisper.

Olayemi leaned in, his voice barely audible taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I've seen strange symbol etched into the walls near your dorm. And I've overheard whisper about a secret society, one that's been requiting member from our campus".

Tunde's eyes widened, his heart pounding in his chest. How did Olayemi know all this? And what did it have to do with him?

Olayemi locked eyes with him and whispered "Can't you join hands with me to tackle this issue".

Tunde didn't understand this question and he told him to rephrase it or clear the ground for him. Something about Olayemi is that he belonged to a secret cult but he was forced against his will also when he was a newbie in the institution. He also wanted to leave the secret society buy how? As he was explaining his ordeal to Tunde, a thick and hoarse voice was heard across the room which broke into their conversation.

You have broken the covenant, you have to pay with your................ your life, the strange voice said and broke into an hysterical laughter.

The action by this strange being sent shiver down Tunde's spine and he began to urinate on his body with his entire body shaking vigorously. Not long after the mysterious voice, Olayemi started coughing out blood, thick blood and this shaken Tunde more.

He cried unto Olayemi's body after he gave up the ghost nonstop. Tunde never leave his room till late at night thinking his dorm mates heard the voices also but how wrong he was, the voices only echoes through his room. He carried Olayemi's corpse to the nearest cemetery to bury him with an hatchet with a trembling body.