One Short Story A Day

September 18, 2024

Prompt: You're chosen to go on a school trip to Africa where you'll be helping to build wells. You've never been out of the country, though, and are worried.

As the school bus pulled up to the airport, my heart began to race with excitement and nervousness. I had never been out of the country before, let alone to Africa. I was chosen to go on a school trip to help build wells in a rural village, and although I knew it was for a good cause, I couldn't help but feel a bit anxious about the unknown.

As we boarded the plane and settled into our seats, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. The flight was long and tiring, but eventually, we landed in Nairobi, Kenya. The heat hit me like a wall as we stepped off the plane, and I felt a wave of homesickness wash over me. I was thousands of miles away from my family and the comfort of my own home, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread at the thought of what lay ahead.

We were greeted at the airport by our guide, a local man named Kofi who had a warm smile and a welcoming presence. He led us to a van that would take us to the village where we would be working for the next two weeks. As we drove through the countryside, I couldn't help but be struck by the beauty of the landscape. The rolling hills and lush greenery were a stark contrast to the concrete jungle I was used to back home.

When we arrived at the village, we were greeted by the villagers who were eager to show us their hospitality. They led us to the site where we would be building the well, and I was amazed by the sheer amount of work that lay ahead of us. I had never done anything like this before, and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to keep up with the rest of the group.

As the days went by, we worked tirelessly in the hot sun, digging trenches and laying pipes. The work was grueling, but seeing the smiles on the faces of the villagers made it all worth it. They were so grateful for our help, and I was humbled by their gratitude.

One night, as I lay in my cot under the stars, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The village was quiet, too quiet, and I had a nagging sense of unease that I couldn't shake. Suddenly, I heard a rustling in the bushes and my heart began to race. I sat up, straining my ears to listen for any sound.

A figure emerged from the shadows, and I gasped in fear as I saw the glint of a knife in their hand. I scrambled to my feet, my heart pounding in my chest as I tried to make sense of what was happening. The figure moved closer, and I could see the malice in their eyes as they advanced towards me.

I screamed for help, but no one came. The rest of the group was asleep, and I was alone with this unknown assailant. I knew I had to act fast if I wanted to survive. Adrenaline coursed through my veins as I ducked and dodged their blows, my instincts kicking in as I fought for my life.

In a moment of desperation, I reached for a nearby shovel and swung it at my attacker with all my strength. The blow connected with a sickening thud, and the figure crumpled to the ground, unmoving. I stood there, breathing heavily, my hands shaking with fear and adrenaline.

As dawn broke over the village, I sat in shock, staring at the figure lying at my feet. It was Kofi, our guide, the man who had welcomed us to the village with open arms. I couldn't believe it - he had tried to harm me, to kill me.

But why?The villagers gathered around, their eyes wide with shock and confusion. Kofi was a respected member of the community, a man who had always been kind and generous to us. I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that he had turned on me in such a violent manner.

As the authorities arrived and took Kofi away, I couldn't help but feel a sense of betrayal and loss. The man who had shown us such kindness had also harbored a dark side, a side that had nearly cost me my life. I was shaken to my core, my trust shattered in an instant.

In the days that followed, the village rallied around me, offering their support and comfort. They assured me that Kofi's actions were not a reflection of them as a community, and that they were grateful for the help we had given them. But the shadow of that night still loomed over me, a reminder that even in the most unlikely of places, danger could be lurking just around the corner.

As I boarded the plane back home, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in my chest. The trip to Africa had been a life-changing experience, but it had also opened my eyes to the darker side of human nature. I knew that I would never be the same person again, that the memory of that fateful night would haunt me for the rest of my days. And as the plane took off into the sky, I made a silent vow to always trust my instincts, no matter how far from home I may be.