ACROSS THE WALL

ELEVEN

Two ancient oak trees stand sentinel on either side of the wall that divides Kisumu Boys High School from the girl's school on the other side. These trees, known among students as the Twin Oaks, have become the subject of countless theories and whispered legends that echo through the hallways of both schools.

According to local lore, the Twin Oaks were planted long ago by the founding families of both schools as a symbol of unity and friendship. However, as time passed and rivalries grew, the original meaning faded into obscurity. The trees now serve as a reminder of what once was—a connection that has since been overshadowed by competition.

Students from Kisumu Girls often gather around their oak tree, sharing stories about its mystical properties. They believe that if one listens closely to its rustling leaves, they can hear whispers from the past—echoes of laughter, friendship, and promises made between students who once crossed the divide without hesitation. Where its shadows meet is a hub for theories about hidden passages and secret gatherings. Some believe it refers to a physical location where the two trees' shadows overlap at sunset, suggesting a hidden entrance to a world beyond their schools.

As rumors swirl around both schools, some adventurous souls have taken it upon themselves to investigate further. They gather at dusk near the oaks, armed with flashlights and notebooks, hoping to decipher the mysteries held within their gnarled branches. Each encounter at twilight brings new stories—some thrilling, some chilling—adding layers to the legend of the Twin Oaks.

The moon hung high in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the grounds of Kisumu Girls High School. Amani felt a mix of excitement and apprehension as she approached the old tree, the "sister" on the other side not a distance much longer separated by the wall almost calling to her. The legends surrounding it—the hidden passages and whispers of secrets—had fueled her curiosity for weeks.

Tonight, she was determined to uncover some truth at the very least. Armed with a flashlight and her notebook, Amani moved closer to it, her heart racing with anticipation. She had remembered the old oak tree marked on the map she had found earlier, a connection between their schools that could be revealed through this tree. As she approached it, she felt a sense of purpose wash over her.

Kneeling down, she brushed away leaves and dirt around its base. Just then, she spotted something glinting in the moonlight—a small indentation that looked like an entrance.

"This has to be it!" she whispered to herself, feeling exhilarated as she squeezed through the opening.

***

Meanwhile, on the other side of the wall, Juma was navigating his tunnel with a mix of determination and trepidation. The cool air brushed against his skin as he made his way deeper into darkness. He had discovered this hidden path during one of his nighttime explorations and felt compelled to see where it led. Emerging into the abandoned storage area he had found before, Juma paused to catch his breath. The air was thick with nostalgia; remnants of past events lingered like whispers in the shadows. As he glanced around at the old trophies and faded banners lining the walls, he felt a sense of connection to those who had come before him.

Suddenly, he heard a sound—a rustling noise from behind him. He turned sharply toward the wall just as Amani emerged from her side.

"What are you doing here?" Juma asked, surprise flashing across his face.

"I found an entrance on my side!" Amani replied breathlessly. "I wanted to see what lay beyond."

Before they could exchange more words, another figure emerged from a dark corridor within the storage area—. His e entrance was quiet yet commanding; he stepped forward with cautious confidence, his flashlight beam cutting through the dimness.

"What is going on here?" Kiptoo asked his voice steady but laced with suspicion as he took in their startled expressions.

Amani said quickly, her eyes darting between them. "I found an entrance to this tunnel from my side."

"I have a map that led me here," Kiptoo added, holding up the crumpled paper like a talisman. "It mentioned something about 'where shadows meet.'"

The air thickened with tension as they stood together amidst relics of their schools' shared history under the soft glow of their flashlights.

Juma crossed his arms defensively. "How do we know you're not here to cause trouble?"

Kiptoo raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "And how do we know you two aren't just playing games?"

Amani stepped forward, trying to diffuse the rising tension. "We're all curious about what lies beyond this wall! We could work together instead of being suspicious."

Juma hesitated but nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But let's keep our eyes open. We don't know what we're dealing with."

Kiptoo folded his arms but seemed to relax slightly at Amani's words. "Agreed. If we're going to uncover anything significant tonight, we need to trust each other... at least for now."

In that moment, standing amidst relics of their schools' shared history under the soft glow of their flashlights, Juma felt a flicker of hope ignite within him. This encounter was more than just chance; it was an opportunity to connect with others who shared their curiosity about what lay beyond.

"Let's work together," Amani suggested eagerly. "If we combine our efforts, we might uncover something truly remarkable."