The cafeteria buzzed with life. The aroma of fried rice, grilled chicken, and spicy waakye filled the air as students moved between the serving stations, balancing trays and chatting over the din. Akutu clutched her purse tightly, scanning the long lines with a tired sigh. It had been a long day—three lectures, one tutorial, and hours of reading she barely understood.
Jenny nudged her playfully. "I told you to get here early. Now we'll have to wait forever."
Akutu chuckled despite her exhaustion. "I was buried in Dr. Mensah's readings."
"Ah, forget that woman for now," Jenny said dramatically. "Right now, it's food o'clock."
As they inched forward in line, a group of students at a nearby table caught Akutu's attention. They were laughing loudly, their energy filling the room. At the center of the group was a girl with a commanding presence—long braids, a confident smile, and an effortless way of drawing attention.
"Who's that?" Akutu asked.
Jenny followed her gaze and smirked. "That's Naa. She's… well, let's just say she's got connections. Knows all the cool people, gets into all the best parties. Some say she can even get you an A in a course if you 'talk to the right people.'"
Akutu raised an eyebrow. "You mean, she—"
"Shhh," Jenny whispered. "I don't know the details, but let's just say people who roll with her never struggle in class. Or in life."
Akutu turned back to look at Naa, who was now speaking animatedly, her friends hanging onto her every word. There was something about her—something magnetic, something dangerous.
"You'll see for yourself soon," Jenny said. "She always recruits freshers."
Later that evening, Akutu sat on her bed, replaying the moment in her mind. University had already introduced her to pressures she had never faced before. Did she want to struggle, or did she want an easier way out?
Her phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number.
"Hey, I'm Naa. Heard you're new here. Let's talk sometime. Maybe I can help you settle in. ;)"
Akutu stared at the message, her heart beating a little faster. This was a moment. A choice.
The pulleys of life were shifting once again.