The shocking confession hung in the air when, suddenly, a loud gunshot shattered the moment. Almost immediately, a piercing scream echoed from the direction of the classroom they’d just left.

"Run!" someone shouted.

They ducked as chaos erupted outside. A motorcycle roared by, and soon armed robbers were seen storming through the crowd, snatching phones and injuring a student. The three friends clutched their books and fled back to the safety of the building.

After the commotion, school security arrived and began directing everyone that wasn’t affected to go home or into the large hall where the movie was still playing.

Frustrated, Zara protested, "But the hostel isn’t open!"

“Then get into the hall!” one of the officers barked.

Another security officer bellowed, "Don't you like your life? Then get inside, now!"

Reluctantly, they moved into the hall. Kenneth clutched Debby’s trembling hand as she tried to steady herself, while Zara, overwhelmed and unable to focus on anything but the night’s terror, closed her eyes for a brief rest.

When Zara awoke at dawn, the hall was nearly empty. She looked beside her and saw Kenneth still sleeping. Gently, she tapped him and asked, "Where’s Debby?"

Kenneth stirred and replied softly, "I think she left. It’s two hours until the exam."

Panic flashed across Zara’s face. "But we haven’t read anything!"

Kenneth smiled weakly and said, "It’s basic English—we can do it." Then, with a reassuring touch on her cheek, he left.

Stunned by the night's events and Debby’s startling confession, Zara gathered herself and hurried back to her hostel for her exam. Many students, including Debby, had already left immediately after the exam, leaving Zara with unanswered questions and a heavy heart.

Later, in the group chat, Kenneth typed, "That was a horrible night."

Zara replied, "At least it was basic English."