07/01/2026
𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄.
𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐒 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐔𝐙𝐎𝐙𝐈𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐁𝐔𝐙𝐎𝐑 𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐉𝐑.
Stephen had always believed that some nights were too important to miss, even when duty called from home. That belief was the reason he stood in the dimly lit corridor of Prisca’s apartment building instead of sitting in his parents’ living room, waiting to cross over into the new year with prayers and family laughter.
“Stephen, are you sure?” his mother had asked on the phone earlier that evening, her voice calm but worried. “This cross-over is important. We’ll pray together.”
“Mummy, I already made plans with my friends,” he replied, forcing a lightness into his tone. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She had sighed, a sound heavy with unspoken concern, before ending the call. Stephen brushed it off, unaware that this decision—so small and casual—would soon become the greatest regret of his life.
THE GATHERING
Prisca’s apartment was a modest two-bedroom lounge apartment tucked away in a quiet neighborhood. The building itself looked ordinary, but to their circle of friends, it had become a familiar meeting ground—birthdays, late-night talks, laughter, and secrets all lived within those walls.
Stephen arrived first and met Joan standing outside the building, her arms folded tightly across her chest as if she were holding herself together.
“You’re early,” Stephen said with a soft smile.
“I didn’t feel like staying at home,” Joan replied. Her eyes betrayed her calm tone.
As they walked inside together, Stephen studied her face. “Have you and Auslean settled things?”
Joan shook her head slowly. “He’s been acting strange for three months now. Cold. Distant. Like he’s already gone.”
“Don’t worry,” Stephen assured her. “Everything will be settled tonight.”
She nodded, though doubt lingered in her eyes.
They knocked, and Unyime opened the door almost immediately. Her face lit up with excitement. “You’re already here!”
“Of course,” Stephen laughed.
From inside her bedroom, Prisca sat on her bed with her laptop balanced on her thighs. An interior decorator by profession, she was used to losing herself in designs, colors, and structures—but tonight, her mind refused to cooperate. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, unmoving, while her thoughts spiraled.
As Joan stepped fully into the apartment, she muttered bitterly, “I feel like he’s cheating… or maybe he’s already moved on.”
“Don’t conclude without proof,” Stephen said firmly as he joined them. “Just relax. Everything will be sorted tonight.”
Unyime clapped her hands together. “So what are we doing today sef?”
“Games,” Stephen replied. “And drawing our map for 2026.”
Joan chuckled dryly. “That kind of map.”
UNEXPECTED ARRIVALS
By 9 p.m., the door opened again. Auslean walked in, followed closely by Favour—and then Blossom.
The moment Joan saw her, her heart dropped.
Blossom. Auslean’s former girlfriend.
Anger surged through Joan’s body like fire. Without a word, she stood and walked out of the sitting room, her steps heavy with humiliation and pain. She grabbed her bag, ready to leave.
“Please stay,” Stephen begged softly, following her. “At least for tonight.”
“Can you imagine him?” Joan whispered, tears brimming. “He brought his ex here.”
Before Stephen could respond, Jimmy and Edwin walked in, loud and cheerful.
“We are now complete,” Unyime announced with a wide smile. “Let the party begin!”
But something was already wrong. The air felt heavy. Forced laughter echoed through the room.
Joan still insisted on leaving, though Stephen and Jimmy tried to calm her down. So she left in anger, you could see the frustration on Stephen face, as though is reunion plan has been scattered.
CRACKS IN THE WALL
By 9:45 p.m., Stephen asked everyone to gather in the parlour. But Prisca refused to come out of her bedroom.
Stephen noticed the tension in everyone’s faces and sighed. “Let’s talk first.”
He pulled Auslean aside. “Why did you bring Blossom?”
Auslean ran a hand through his hair. “She came as a surprise. Just returned from Lagos. She was there when you called.”
Then he leaned closer. “I’m planning to propose to Joan. I’m arranging the engagement.”
“Oh wow! But she already left...” Stephen replied. “But that wasn’t my fault...” Auslean cut in quickly.
Stephen studied him carefully before nodding. Auslean shook his hand and walked away.
But peace did not follow.
Inside her room, Prisca confronted Blossom, her voice trembling with suppressed agony.
“I never expected you to step into my house again,” Prisca said. “Not after what you did to me.”
Blossom’s face fell. “Prisca, I’m sorry. I never meant to ruin your relationship with Joseph.”
“You destroyed it!” Prisca snapped. “You took him from me when I was at my lowest.”
Blossom tried to explain what truly happened three years ago, but Prisca turned away, unable to listen.
Stephen stood near the door, hearing everything. When Prisca stormed out, he entered quietly.
“Calm down,” he told Blossom.
She nodded, wiping tears away—until Stephen closed the door and stepped closer. He placed his hands around her waist.
“What are you doing?” Blossom asked, startled.
Stephen pulled her closer and pressed his lips against hers.
“Stop,” she whispered. “Favour is here.”
“Are you dating him?” Stephen asked.
“No,” she replied. “But he’s trying.”
“I miss you,” Stephen said, trying to kiss her again.
She pushed him away and hurried out.
Stephen stood alone, memories flooding back—Unyime’s birthday in August, the night he and Blossom had crossed a line that should never have been crossed.
Blossom had told him to es**rt her back to her hotel room, and when they got there, she insisted that he had a drink,
Stephen refused. “I’ve already had too much to drink, and I wouldn’t like to mess myself up,” he said, his voice strained as he tried to leave. But Blossom held him back, dragging him closer to herself with a sudden boldness that stole his breath. They stood inches apart, staring into each other’s eyes, their breaths mingling, the silence between them burning louder than words.
Stephen’s gaze slowly dropped, lingering on Blossom’s chest as her black gown revealed part of her chest, the fabric resting dangerously low, tempting his self-control. Blossom felt his hesitation and made the first move. She reached for his collar, pulling him closer, her lips finding his in a slow, deliberate kiss that spoke of longing she had held back for too long.
Stephen pulled back slightly and asked in a cold tone, “Are you sure of this?” even though his hands were already resting on Blossom’s shoulders, his fingers tightening as if afraid to let go. Blossom didn’t answer with words; instead, she kissed him again—deeper this time—silencing his doubts.
He returned the kiss with restrained hunger, his body finally giving in to what his mind had been resisting. Their hands began to explore familiar lines and hidden curves as they slowly undressed each other, every touch intentional, every movement heavy with desire, until nothing else existed but the heat between them.
A sudden knock hit the door—sharp, urgent, unexpected. The sound sliced through the air and yanked Stephen back into present reality, his heart skipping as he froze for a second. He stepped out into the parlour, where Auslean and Blossom were sitting quietly, alone with their laptops, unaware of the storm about to unfold.
Without hesitation, Stephen walked straight to the door and pulled it open. Standing there was Joan.
His eyes widened. Surprise washed over his face, quickly followed by relief.
“You came back?” Stephen asked, a small, uncertain smile forming as he searched her face.
“I nearly got robbed,” she replied, her voice trembling with deep worry, her breath uneven as though the fear was still chasing her.
Instantly, everyone in the parlour looked up. The calm atmosphere shattered. Concern filled the room as their eyes locked on her.
“What happened?” Stephen asked, stepping closer, his voice tight with fear.
Joan explained how two boys holding knives stopped her when she couldn’t get a tricycle at the bus stop. She described how they had already collected everything from her, the cold metal of the knives flashing under the streetlight, her heart pounding helplessly in her chest.
Just when it seemed there was no escape, an army Hilux suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The moment the boys saw the car lights, panic took over and they started running. Joan said she began screaming, her voice tearing through the night.
The military men stopped and asked what had happened. She told them everything—every fear, every detail. Because there was no bush around and the road was straight, the soldiers chased after the boys with their van. Minutes later, they caught them.
Fortunately, all her property was returned to her. The soldiers even drove her and dropped her on the street before going their way, leaving her shaken but alive.
Stephen suddenly screamed, “Thank God you are safe!” His voice was loud, raw, and filled with overwhelming relief, as if he had just escaped the danger with her.
BETRAYALS RREVEALED
In a room near the parlour, Jimmy, Edwin, and Favour were talking when Joan entered.
“I need to talk to you,” she said, facing Jimmy.
The others stepped out.
“You need to stop sending me romantic messages,” Joan said sharply. “You’re dating Prisca.”
Jimmy shook his head. “I love you. I want you instead of her.”
Her anger flared. She turned to leave, but Jimmy slapped her buttocks.
The sound echoed.
Joan slapped him hard across the face. “I’ll report you to Prisca.”
THE CIRCLE OF TRUTH
By 11:25 p.m., Stephen gathered everyone in the parlour. They sat in a circle.
“This hangout was meant to help us plan our 2026,” Stephen began. “But clearly, we have issues. Let’s fix them.”
He turned to Prisca. “You’ve been acting strange.”
She said nothing.
Jimmy smirked. “Or is it because of the abortion you did?”
The room froze.
Prisca denied it, but Jimmy revealed it was Dr. Ezekiel who told him.
Shock rippled through the group.
“The fun just started,” Blossom murmured.
Tears streamed down Prisca’s face as she confessed. “Edwin r***d me on Unyime’s birthday.”
Gasps filled the room.
“He was drunk that night, so I decided to help him,” she said, her voice breaking. “I ordered a Bolt because he was too drunk to go home alone, and everyone had already left. You weren’t picking your calls,” she added tearfully as she turned to Jimmy, her eyes swollen, her hands shaking.
“I was only trying to help him. I decided he should sleep over at my house that night.”
She paused, swallowing hard, as if the words themselves were cutting her throat.
After assisting him to the room, he suddenly held her hand and pulled her back. Her body stiffened at the memory. She explained how she tried to calm him down, how she sat close to the bed, hoping the night would end quietly.
Instead, he started saying funny and naughty things—words that made her skin crawl—talking about how he had loved her for a long time, how he had always wanted to have her.
At this point, Jimmy was already flamed up. His fists clenched tightly at his sides, his jaw locked, his breathing heavy as his furious eyes burned into Edward.
“I tried leaving the room,” she continued, tears rolling freely now, her voice trembling uncontrollably. “But he held me.”
She broke down, her shoulders shaking as she struggled to finish. “He pushed me down on the bed and forced himself on me.”
The room fell into a suffocating silence—thick, painful, unbearable—broken only by her quiet sobs and the rage vibrating through Jimmy’s entire body.
Jimmy lunged at Edwin, punching him repeatedly.
Edwin shouted back, “Didn’t Joan also sleep in your house that night?”
Chaos erupted.
Joan denied sleeping with Jimmy, insisting nothing happened.
Then Prisca screamed.
Silence fell.
“I’m HIV positive,” she said. “I got it from Edwin.”
Stephen held his head.
And yes, Unyime advice me to abort the baby, and I actually gave in to the plan, prisca added with tears in her eyes.
Jimmy tried coming close to prisca but she pushed him away,
“So much in one night,” Auslean muttered. “Happy New Year.”
Unyime suddenly lunged at Edwin, her body shaking violently as rage poured out of her.
“You secretly promised me marriage since the month of May! You slept with me unprotected!” she screamed, her voice tearing through the room like a blade.
Gasps echoed. No one breathed.
Blossom stepped forward, her eyes blazing with pain and confusion. “Was the promise of marriage part of the reason you told Prisca to abort her baby?” she demanded, desperation written all over her face.
Prisca slowly turned to Unyime, her lips trembling, her eyes glassy—waiting, hoping, dreading the answer all at once.
“This whole thing is getting out of hand!” Stephen screamed, clutching his head as if it would explode, his voice cracking under the weight of too many truths unraveling at once.
Edwin broke down. His confession came out rushed and defensive. He admitted he only found out in September and insisted that Favour could also bear witness to that.
The room felt smaller. Heavier.
“You ruined my life,” Prisca whispered. Her voice was barely audible, yet it crushed everyone more than a scream ever could. Her knees buckled as tears streamed freely down her face.
“So… I am HIV positive?” Unyime muttered, her words drowned in sobs as she staggered backward, disbelief and terror flooding her face.
Auslean stood frozen, staring at Joan with pain burning in his eyes, silently begging for reassurance. Joan shook her head desperately, using her hands to nod in disagreement, tears gathering as she insisted—without words—that nothing happened between her and Jimmy that night.
At the far corner of the house, Favour paced back and forth like a trapped animal, his breaths shallow, his hands trembling uncontrollably. Auslean noticed and rushed toward him, grabbing his arm.
“What’s wrong?” Auslean asked urgently.
Favour finally broke. His voice cracked as he explained that after Unyime’s birthday party, he stayed behind to help her clean up. Afterward, Unyime offered that they have a drink together. They sat on the same couch, drinking.
He said she started complimenting him—how deep and amazing his voice was. Then she moved closer. She touched his lap.
He tried to resist. He tried to stop her. But she wouldn’t.
When he attempted to leave, dizziness suddenly overtook him. His vision blurred. His body weakened. The drink had been poisoned. He fell back onto the couch, helpless, and Unyime continued her seductive advances until they eventually made love.
Shock rippled through the room. Someone sobbed. Someone cursed under their breath.
Auslean held Favour firmly, trying to steady him, telling him not to blame himself, even as his own voice shook.
“But what if I am also HIV positive?” Favour cried out in pain, fear tearing through his voice as the house erupted into chaos—sobs, shouts, accusations—everyone breaking down at once under the unbearable weight of what had been revealed
THE FINAL TRAGEDY
Prisca asked for coffee.
Joan walked into the kitchen, her steps unsteady. She turned on the gas but didn’t light it, her mind distracted, her hands trembling.
Auslean suddenly walked in. His face hardened the moment he saw her.
“So this is what you do behind me?” he asked angrily, his voice sharp, cutting through the already fragile air.
“I didn’t do anything,” Joan replied tearfully, turning toward him in panic. “I only followed him home. He tried to make advances toward me, but I refused.”
Her words only fueled the fire.
Their argument escalated rapidly—voices rising, accusations flying, resentment spilling out, exhaustion turning into rage. Painful words were said. Old wounds were reopened. The room felt like it was closing in on them.
Favour tried to intervene, stepping between them, begging them to calm down before things got worse.
Shaking, overwhelmed, and barely thinking straight, Joan turned back toward the stove and reached out to light it.
The explosion was sudden—violent, deafening, unforgiving.
In a single, terrifying moment, the chaos swallowed everything. The hospital corridor was flooded with harsh white light and the sharp smell of antiseptic. Sirens faded into the distance as bodies were rushed in on stretchers, some unconscious, some barely breathing. Voices overlapped—nurses shouting instructions, doctors moving with urgent precision.
Stephen stood frozen, his clothes stained, his ears ringing, his mind refusing to catch up with reality. Auslean staggered behind him, his face pale, his hands shaking uncontrollably.
“Please… please save them,” someone whispered—no one could even remember who said it.
Minutes stretched into eternity.
Finally, a doctor stepped out. His expression said everything before his mouth even opened.
“We did everything we could,” he said quietly. “But the injuries were too severe.”
Silence crashed down like thunder.
“Who… who didn’t make it?” Stephen asked, his voice barely above a breath.
The doctor hesitated, then spoke.
“They are gone.” Favor, Joan and Auslean.
The words landed heavy—final, irreversible.
Edward knees gave way. He collapsed onto the cold hospital floor, a broken cry tearing out of his chest. “No… no… this can’t be happening,” he sobbed, pounding his fist against the tiles.
Prisca screamed. A sound so raw it turned heads down the corridor. Nurses rushed to hold her as she fought, shaking violently, refusing to accept what she had just heard.
Joan’s name echoed unanswered.
Stephen backed away slowly, his head shaking in disbelief. “It was just an argument… just coffee…” he muttered, as if repeating it enough times would undo the damage.
A nurse gently covered the bodies with white sheets. The room felt suddenly empty—too quiet, too still.
Death had spoken. And it had taken more than lives—it had taken peace, love, and every chance of going back.
Families were contacted.
Stephen sat alone, hollow.
He wished he had gone home.
He wished he had never planned the hangout.
But wishes meant nothing now.
The night had taken everything.
THE END.
𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄.
𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐒
𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐔𝐙𝐎𝐙𝐈𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐁𝐔𝐙𝐎𝐑 𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐉𝐑.
