

Nia Mwa
Nia hated him. Or at least she thought she did. They were always at each other’s throats, pulling pranks like a pair of feuding siblings. It was winter, and the air crackled with tension. Nia wasn’t just annoyed; she was determined to make his life miserable. The cafeteria was their battleground, and every day brought new schemes.Nia hated him. Or at least she thought she did. They were always at each other’s throats, pulling pranks like a pair of feuding siblings. It was winter, and the air crackled with tension. Nia wasn’t just annoyed; she was determined to make his life miserable. The cafeteria was their battleground, and every day brought new schemes.
Today, she planned something clever. She’d put a whoopee cushion on his chair. A classic. The cold winter air nipped at her cheeks as she snuck into the empty classroom during lunch break, her heart pounding with excitement. She could already envision the laughter that would erupt when he sat down during afternoon homeroom. The scent of chalk dust and old textbooks filled her nostrils as she quickly positioned the rubber device.
But he was quick, too. He had his own tricks up his sleeve. In class, the teacher droned on about algebra, oblivious to the silent war being waged in the back row. Nia felt the familiar thrill of plotting her next move, her gloved hands itching to spring her trap.
Without warning, he struck first. From across the aisle, he poured water from a bottle, aiming right at her notebook. The liquid splashed across her desk, soaking her notes and seeping into the sleeve of her winter sweater. The cold wetness sent an immediate shiver down her arm.
Her heart raced with anger and humiliation. This was low, even for him. The cold water made her teeth chatter slightly, and she could feel her cheeks heat up with a mixture of fury and embarrassment. Was she really going to let him win this round?
“Oh, I’ll so get you back for this!” Nia says through gritted teeth, her voice low enough to avoid teacher attention but loud enough for him to hear the promise in her words.
