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Chapter 4 - chapter four (sanitation day)

"Sanitation Day." It captures the chaos, humor, and unexpected moments that come with group tasks at school—plus a little drama with seat changes and a suspicious new teacher.

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Chapter Four: Sanitation Day

"Alright, everyone," Adam said, standing at the front of the class with the broom in one hand and his signature clipboard in the other. "As you all know… it's Sanitation Day. Let's get to it."

He clapped his hands once for emphasis.

Juliet yawned dramatically. "Let the girls do the outside work. We boys will clean inside."

One of the girls rolled her eyes. "Ah-ah, is there even anything to clean inside? You boys just want to dodge the real work!"

A loud chuckle came from the back. "Ehn, is it not your job? When your father finishes eating, who packs his plate?"

That comment didn't sit well with Olive.

"Excuse me?" she snapped. "Are you his father that she should obey you?"

The boy smirked. "Abeg, don't even talk. You wey na housemaid dey bath you!"

"Whaaat?" the whole class chorused in shock.

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Meanwhile…

Mr. Ben was heading to his classroom when he ran into Mr. Mike, the math teacher, just outside the staff room.

"Ben, your class is something else o," Mr. Mike sighed.

"They're not that bad," Mr. Ben replied, already knowing where this was going.

"Not bad? Just yesterday, I seized five phones! Five!" Mr. Mike exclaimed.

Mr. Ben chuckled. "They're just kids. Aside from the behavior, they're good kids."

"Good kids ko," Mr. Mike muttered. "Better show them who's boss."

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Back in class…

The argument had grown wild. Olive was fuming.

"You, that can't even wipe your dripping nose properly! You prehistoric caveman! Even cavemen knew how to clean their own caves!"

Gasps echoed around the classroom.

"You girls should just stop complaining and clean!" another boy shouted. "You're just lazy!"

That was the last straw for Olive. She dropped her broom and charged toward the boy. "You want to fight, abi? Let's fight!"

Her hands were already in the air when the door creaked open.

"Good morning sir—" a few students started to say.

"Keep it to yourselves," Mr. Ben interrupted, walking in and surveying the chaos. "Other classes are doing their sanitation. You all are here—arguing and shouting. Get to work!"

Everyone scrambled. The girls began sweeping and scrubbing. The boys? Still gathered in one corner, chatting and laughing.

"Guys," Mr. Ben called, "what are you doing over there?"

"Nothing, sir!" they chorused.

"Let the girls do it," one of them mumbled.

Esther turned sharply. "For what?!"

They started arguing again.

"BE QUIET!" Mr. Ben barked. "How many times do I have to explain this archaic topic—boys and girls should work equally. I'm not asking again. Get to work!"

Silence.

Then, they all finally began working—some with long faces, others muttering under their breath.

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After Sanitation…

Mr. Ben clapped his hands. "Hmm… I think it's time for a little change."

Groans filled the air.

"Enjoy the wildness of change," he smirked. "Now… Dera, stand up. Juliet, stand up."

"But sir," Dera began, "I have eye problems. I can't see from the back."

"Go see a medical doctor," Mr. Ben replied dryly. "Juliet, go sit beside Zoe."

Juliet moved, and the moment he sat, Zoe frowned, waved her hand in front of her nose, and raised her hand.

"Yes, Esther?" Mr. Ben asked.

"Sir, it's not about the eyes," she said, nose still pinched. "I just prefer sitting on my own."

"I know," he replied. "That's why I brought Juliet to you. Trade with him."

"But sir—"

"Enough."

"David," he called. "Come and sit beside Olive."

David walked over, awkwardly dropping his bag and sitting beside Olive. It was quiet between them—but Olive didn't mind. A small smile tugged at her lips. It was the first peaceful moment she'd had all day.

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Just then…

The door creaked open again. Everyone turned.

Their new English teacher had arrived.

Tall, dark-skinned, and quiet-looking, he adjusted his glasses and stepped in.

"Good morning class," he said softly.

"Good morning sir," the class echoed.

"My name is Mr. Kenneth. I'll be your new English teacher."

As he introduced himself and shared his expectations, one person wasn't listening.

Grace.

She had just returned from her suspension and stood at the back of the class, arms folded.

But her eyes weren't on Mr. Kenneth's words.

They were locked on him—with a look of deep suspicion.

Something wasn't right about this teacher… and Grace could feel it.

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