The note in the library
Third floor, the desk by the window, every day during exams. Someone kept leaving him things. He had theories.
A story1 min read
Brian had the same desk every day of exam season: third floor, by the window, the one with the socket that works. On the Monday before his first paper, there was something waiting there. For Brian. From someone called “Mtu wa third floor”.
It was a voice note. It said: “Uko na hii. Kunywa maji. Na stop ku-panic.” (You’ve got this. Drink water. And stop panicking.)
The investigation
Every day there was another one. A photo of a very confident cat. A reminder that the cafeteria had chapati on Thursdays. On Wednesday, only: “Umesoma chapter 7? Ita-come.”
Brian’s shortlist of suspects:
- The girl who always borrowed his charger. Motive: guilt.
- His roommate. Motive: none, but he is weird.
- The librarian. Motive: she once said “good luck” in a tone he found suspicious.
Chapter 7 came. Word for word. Brian walked out of the exam hall a changed man and went straight to the third floor, where the girl with the charger was sitting at his desk.
“Ulikuwa wewe?” She shrugged. “Ulikuwa unakaa ni kama utazimia. Mtu alifaa ku-do something.” (You looked like you were about to pass out. Someone had to do something.)
They now share the desk with the socket that works, which everyone on the third floor agrees is the most romantic thing that has ever happened there.
Made you want to go somewhere?
