Deadly Excursion

CHAPTER 2: Igodo gist

Chekwube and I, just like the rest of our classmates, were overflowing with excitement.
He was my closest friend, and people who didn't know us personally always thought we were brothers - sometimes even twins - because we shared the same surname and almost the same complexion. He was Chekwube Chkwuma, while I was Zarachi Chkwuma, though everyone in school simply called me Zara.

Chekwube's life had not been an easy one. He lost his father when he was only two years old, and since then, his mother had been his only support. Despite everything, he always found a way to smile.

As we walked home that afternoon, he nudged me playfully.
"Guy, how far? You think your papa go gree make you follow go Igodo? You know as him dey do sometimes."

I sighed. "Bro, I no even know. I just dey pray make he gree. If e no gree sef, I fit sneak comot," I joked, making him laugh.

Before we could continue, Kelvin, the school gossip - the one who always walked and talked with extra drama - joined us with his usual flair.

In his sing-song voice, he said,
"Are you people even sure you're ready for this excursion? I heard Igodo Forest is not an ordinary forest o. They say it's the forest of life and death."

We rolled our eyes and pushed his shoulders playfully.

"Kelvin abeg shift," Chekwube said. "You and your stories."

But Kelvin continued with a worried look on his face.
"I'm serious o. I just hope we all go and return safely."

For a moment, the three of us walked in silence.
The excitement was still strong...
but Kelvin's words lingered like a faint shadow behind us.