Scene 1
Lobitech University
Characters:
- Johnny – Hardworking and diligent student.
- Joy – Overconfident and complacent about her academic abilities.
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Second week in university
Setting: Joy's Hostel Room
Joy lies lazily on her bed, her books scattered around, untouched. There's a knock on the door.
Joy:[yawning as she gets up sluggishly] Who's there?
Johnny:[from outside] It's Johnny.
Joy opens the door, still looking sleepy.
Joy: Oh, it's you. Good evening.
Johnny: Evening! Sleeping at this time? You alright?
Joy gestures for Johnny to come in and sit.
Joy: I'm fine, just took a nap after eating. [noticing the books he's holding] Where are you off to with all those books?
Johnny: I'm headed to the library. I thought I'd come see if you wanted to join me.
Joy:[rolling her eyes] To do what?
Johnny: To study, of course! We need to study harder and make our parents proud now that we are in university, remember?
Joy:[nonchalantly] I know...
Johnny: So, can we go?
Joy:[with a casual shrug] You know, back in elementary and high school, I was always first in my class.
Johnny:[encouragingly] That's great! Keep that same energy here in university.
Joy: I will. [smirking] But honestly, I don't even study that much—I've always performed excellently.
Johnny:[sighing, a bit tired of the conversation] Shall we go, then?
Joy:[casually lying] I usually just start studying the day before the exam.
Johnny:[shocked] Are you serious?
Joy:[confidently] Yes, I am.
Johnny:Alright, I've got to head out. Good luck, Joy. Bye.
Joy: Bye. [watches him go, still unbothered]
---
As soon as Johnny is out of sight, Joy closes the door and flops back onto her bed, grinning to herself.
Joy: [smirking] Me? I just entered university, and I am not here to stress myself with books. I'm going to enjoy every second, explore everything, and finally live! I mean, I'm a big girl now.
Joy stretches out on her bed, reveling in her newfound freedom.
Joy: [to herself] Back at home, my parents were in charge of every little thing I did. My life was like a set of rules written by them, never any freedom. But now? Now I'm free, and I'm the one in control!
Joy imagines the endless possibilities of her new university life, away from the watchful eyes of her parents.
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Who is Joy?
Name: Joy Charles
Background: Joy hails from K State and lives with her parents in O State. At 18, she's the first child in a family of seven, a beautiful young woman with fair skin and an attractive figure. Her family isn't wealthy, but they get by. Her father, Mr. Taye Charles, is a civil servant who even sold his car to cover her university fees and expenses when she was accepted into Lobitech University in L state to study Digital design. Her mother, Mrs. Morenike Charles, is a trader, balancing work and family with dedication.
Connections: Joy is close to her cousin, Johnny Ade, who is also her childhood friend from her father's side. Johnny is more serious about studies, often trying to guide Joy on the right path.
.....
Two days later...
Joy stands alone in the university courtyard, her heart racing with excitement and anticipation. The campus buzzes with students chatting, laughing, and rushing to their next classes.
Joy: (to herself) I can't believe I'm finally here! This is my chance to break free and live life on my own terms. No more rules, no more curfews. I'm in control now.
She glances around, taking in the vibrant scene. Other students are gathered in groups, some studying, others simply enjoying the day. The atmosphere is alive with possibility.
Joy: (continuing) This place is huge! I want to experience everything—the parties, the late-night study sessions, the friendships. I'll make memories that last a lifetime.
Her thoughts drift to her childhood. Growing up in a large family meant sharing everything, including the spotlight. As the first child of seven, Joy often felt overshadowed by her siblings, each vying for attention in their own way. Now, it's her time
Suddenly, she hears a familiar voice calling her name. It's Alex, her best and newly made friend, who approaches with a wide grin.
Alex: Joy! There you are! I thought I'd lost you in this crowd. You look like you're about to burst with excitement!
Joy turns, her face lighting up at the sight of him.
Joy: Alex! I can't help it! This place is amazing! I feel like I could do anything!
Alex: (laughing) Well, let's make sure you do. I know all the best spots around here trust me, you're going to love it.
Joy and Alex begin to walk together, weaving through groups of students. Joy feels a surge of gratitude for having him by her side. He's always been her confidant, the one who understands her dreams and fears since her first day of stepping into Lobitech university.
Joy: (playfully) You better keep me out of trouble. I have a feeling this place could lead me to some wild adventures.
Alex: (grinning) Oh, don't worry. I'll be your guide. Just promise me you won't lose yourself in the fun. You still need to study, remember?
Joy: (rolling her eyes) I know, I know! A balance, right? But I'm not going to let the chance to explore slip away.
As they navigate the bustling campus, Joy's mind races with thoughts of all the new experiences waiting for her—new friends, late-night escapades, and the thrill of independence. For the first time in her life, she feels truly free, ready to embrace whatever comes next.
---
Here's a darker turn for Joy's story, introducing elements of mystery, horror, and the unsettling nature of her new friendships:
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The Descent into Darkness
Joy feels invincible, her heart still racing with excitement as she spends more time with her new friends. They're a diverse group, full of charm and charisma, but there's something about them that feels slightly off an undercurrent of mystery that Joy can't quite place.
Joy: (to Alex) I love hanging out with them, but don't you think they're a little... intense?
Alex: (shrugging) Maybe. They just seem to have a different way of having fun. But if you like them, that's all that matters.
As weeks pass, Joy finds herself pulled deeper into their world. Late-night parties turn into wild escapades haunted houses, midnight rituals, and whispered secrets that echo through the darkened campus. But with every thrilling moment, she senses an increasing unease. Her friends have a penchant for the macabre; they seem to thrive on fear and chaos.
One night, the group gathers in a dimly lit dorm room, walls adorned with strange symbols and photographs of missing persons. The atmosphere is thick with tension as they sit in a circle, flickering candlelight casting eerie shadows across their faces.
Maya, one of Joy's new friends, leans forward, her voice low and captivating.
Maya: (whispering) Have you ever wondered what happens to those who vanish? What if they're trapped in another world?
Joy shifts uncomfortably, glancing at Alex, who raises an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.
Joy: (laughing nervously) That's just a scary story, right?
Maya: (smirking) Or maybe it's a warning. We should try to connect with them... you know, reach out and see if they can communicate with us.
Joy's heart races at the suggestion. A part of her is drawn to the thrill, but another part screams for her to run. Despite her instincts, she finds herself swept along by the group's energy.
Later that night, the group gathers in a nearby forest, the moonlight barely penetrating the thick canopy of trees. They've brought candles, and as they circle around a makeshift altar, Joy feels a chill run down her spine.
Alex : (whispering) Joy, are you sure about this? This feels... wrong.
Before she can respond, Maya begins to chant, her voice rising and falling like a chilling melody. Joy watches, entranced and terrified, as shadows dance around them. The air grows heavy, thick with an otherworldly presence.
Suddenly, a low growl echoes through the trees, sending a wave of fear rippling through the group. Joy's heart pounds as she grips Johnny's arm, her breath quickening.
Joy: (panicking) What was that?!
But before anyone can answer, a figure emerges from the darkness a gaunt silhouette with hollow eyes and a twisted smile. The group gasps, the energy shifting from excitement to pure terror.
Maya: (grinning) This is just the beginning, Joy. We're not done yet.
Joy feels a surge of dread as the figure advances, its presence oppressive and chilling. She glances at her friends, their faces illuminated by the flickering candles, but instead of fear, they wear expressions of exhilaration.
In that moment, Joy realizes she's not just in over her head; she's caught in something far more sinister than she could have ever imagined. The thrill of independence is replaced by the horror of being ensnared in a web of darkness that her new friends seem to welcome.
Joy: (whispering to Alex) We have to get out of here. Now.
But as they turn to leave, the shadows close in around them, and Joy realizes that escape might not be so simple. Her new friends have a grip on her, and the darkness beckons with promises of power and secrets too enticing to resist.
With her heart racing and a sense of dread settling in, Joy stands at the edge of a precipice, facing a choice that could change everything. She feels the pull of her new friends, but deep down, she knows the path they're on leads to misery and horror