As I stood up, dusting myself off, Jayden chuckled. "Well, that was a grand entrance! I'm surprised you didn't get a standing ovation."
Nkosi, on the other hand, gave me a brief, polite smile. "Hey, are you okay?" His tone was friendly, but his eyes seemed distant, as if his mind was elsewhere.
I smiled back at Jayden. "Shut up, I'm just a little clumsy." I glanced at Nkosi. "And yeah, I'm fine, thanks."
Nkosi nodded, still seeming a bit preoccupied. "Cool. We should get going."
Jayden grinned. "Yeah, we don't want to be late for our first day. Unless, of course, you're trying to make a fashion statement with that dirt on your knee."
Nkosi shot Jayden a look. "Dude, come on. Let's go."
As they turned to leave, I noticed the small, green book on the floor. "Hey, Jayden! Wait! Is this yours?" I called out, holding up the book.
But they were already gone, disappearing around the corner.
I decided to follow them, hoping they might lead me to the school's reception. As I turned the corner, I felt a shiver run down my spine. Brushing it off, I continued pursuit.
The double doors ahead of me were wide open, revealing what appeared to be the school's performance hall. But as I stepped inside, the scenery shifted. I found myself in a dimly lit corridor, the walls charred and blackened as if ravaged by a great fire. Broken tables, chairs, and scattered debris littered the hallway.
The air was heavy with the stench of death, and the constant sound of dripping water echoed through the corridor. I spun around, intent on leaving, but the entrance was gone. In its place stood another corridor, stretching out into darkness.
My heart racing, I wondered: Where was I? And where had Jayden and Nkosi disappeared to?