Original subtitles

[male voice chanting in Yoruba]

[eerie growling]

‪[gasping]

‪[growling continues]

‪-[girl screams, panting] ‪-[eerie growling continues]

- [giant footsteps approaching] - [girl panting]

‪[screams]

[in English] [chuckles] We are here.

I still don’t know why I have to come here.

[woman] What?

- This school? - [girl sighs]

Amanda, this is a very good school.

One of the first schools founded by the missionaries.

- It even has a very good track record. - [soft music playing]

Academic track record.

So did my former school.

[huffs] But this is the only school I can afford in this area now.

Eh?

I’m even lucky to get a new job in this town

because of what happened with my former job and you know this.

Is that why you told the Oba that my father is dead?

Well, as far as I’m concerned, he is.

He has-- he doesn’t want anything to do with us and I respect his wishes.

- But he’s alive. - Look--

And why does he not want to have anything to do with us?

He doesn’t. I don’t know.

- But, I-- - Amanda please.

We’ve discussed this several times.

Before you were born, he didn’t want to have anything to do with us and he left.

And honestly, I prefer it this way.

I don’t want to have to talk about again, please.

[car keys jingling]

- [birs chirping] - [seatbelt buckle unclicks]

[car door slams shut]

Hey.

I’m sorry I snapped at you in the car.

I just…

I just don’t want you father’s issue [gasps]

to be the last thing we talk about before you start this new journey.

Please.

I know, mom.

But I deserve to know the truth.

Of course.

And I’m going to tell you, I promise. It’s just not now.

Amanda, it’s…

It’s just so painful to talk about right now, please.

I want you to focus on the school

and all the opportunities it brings. Please.

- [exhales] I’ve heard you, mom. - Thank you.

I’ll stay.

- [mom sighs] - But I know I wouldn’t like it here.

Oh Amanda, come on.

Let’s go. See?!

It’s a wonderful school.

I’m sure you’ll fit in just fine.

[Amanda] Easy for you to say. You’re not the one that has to stay here.

[Mom chuckles] You’re just being dramatic, okay?

Let’s look for the admin office and get you sorted out.

Okay?

Smile.

[Woman] Ah. Yes, yes.

How exciting!

[telephone ringing]

Hello?

[man over telephone] Hello Sister Jane. This is Father John.

Hello Father.

Tell me, how did the meeting go?

[Father John] Not so well.

They have decided to close one more school.

We tried our best but the State's Educational Board was adamant,

that they were doing what was best for the students.

We are what is best for the students.

[Father John] Same thing I said,

But they said the schools weren’t functioning at optimal capacity,

so they had to step in.

Plus, the teacher sleeping with students didn’t help matters.

- [thoughtful music playing] - Oh dear, dear, dear.

They are going to ruin our schools with their corruption and politics.

[sighs] Father,

what about our school?

[Father John] That is why I am calling.

The board complained about you not responding to their letters,

and also refusing to meet with staff from the Ministry,

who have been trying to see you.

What's going on?

[stutters] Father John, I can’t…

I mean we.

We can’t afford to lose this school.

We can run it better than the Education Board.

[Father John ] Regardless.

You should at least meet with the member sent from the Board.

That way, they don’t take actions that would jeopardize our chances

of retaining control of the school.

Alright Father, I will.

[Father John ] Did you get the letter for the competition?

I was reading it just as your call came in.

[Father John ] Excellent! I know your boys will do well as usual.

And the more we show what we can do in these competitions,

the more leverage we have to state our case.

Indeed. I will ensure that the boys do the best that they can.

Everything…

Everything I do, Father, is for the good of the Church,

the school and my students.

[Father John ] I know.

Keep up the good work.

And please at least, meet with the members from the board.

I will Father, Thank you. Goodbye.

[Father John] Bye, Sister Jane.

[Quietly] Ah.

Very exciting.

Oh. Alright.

[cane taps on table]

Yes?

You have intentionally chosen

to ignore both our letters and refused us access to you.

The ministry is worried about the state of the school

and the affairs of the students.

I do not understand why, madam.

We are doing exceptionally well as an institution.

And our students are fine and in good care.

I beg to differ.

The Church hasn’t been able to hold it’s own end of agreement

between it and the State Board Education.

And that calls for lots of concern.

On the contrary, madam,

we are holding up our end of the bargain.

And I can assure you that our students

are more than pleased to be under the supervision of the Church.

Might I also add that we have been shortlisted

for the Scholars Competition.

I guarantee you that my students will win.

Ugh! It’s not just the financials.

But the complaints by the students as well.

The students will be fine.

- Uh… Mrs..? - Miss Adesola!

Right.

Miss Adesola.

It is not my intention to be rude but as you can see I have [inhales]

more pressing issues to deal with at the moment so,

[exhales] we can pick this up at a future date.

The sooner you come to terms with this situation,

the easier it will be for everybody involved.

The state will take back control of this school.

Have a nice day.

- Mrs… - Miss Adesola!

Right.

Miss Adesola.

‪-[footsteps receding] ‪-[tense music continues]

‪[students chattering indistinctly]

Oh. I guess this is it.

[Amanda] I don’t like it.

Oh, come on.

[Girl] Give it a chance. You just got here.

I didn’t like it too when I first arrived. [laughs]

You see? That’s exactly what I’ve been trying to tell her.

- Good afternoon ma. - Good afternoon. How are you?

Fine thank you ma.

Hi my name is Edna. Nice to meet you.

You’re one of the new students, right?

Welcome. Looks like we’re going to be bunk mates.

Top bunk or bottom bunk, which do you prefer?

You know what? You can actually have the bottom bunk. it’s the best one.

Although I didn’t have a good experience two years ago

when I shared a bunk with Esther Omiyale. [laughs]

I was on the bottom bunk and she used to bed wet.

So you can imagine how that went. [laughs]

- Thank you. - [Edna] You’re welcome.

As I was saying, don’t be too hard on the school.

It might not look like much but it’s a really good school.

You see? What did I tell you?

I guess it’s time for me to leave.

I have to get to town before it’s late.

I will see you on Open Day, okay?

- [Amanda] Mmm. - Be good.

[Amanda’s Mum] I love you.

Take care.

Edna, it was lovely meeting you.

It was nice meeting you too, ma.

Take care of yourself.

- [Amanda, Mom] Bye. - [Edna] Bye!

‪[Girls laughing]

She seems nice. [laughs]

Yes, that’s why she uprooted me from my school and brought me here.

[Edna laughs]

You sound as if this is hell.

Trust me, it’s not as bad as you think.

What’s the worst that can happen?

It’s just your final exam right?

One year and you’re done. Hm.

Come on, let me show you around. [giggles]

‪[students chattering indistinctly]

[Edna] So the best time to go to the cafeteria is very early.

Because trust me, you’ll want the food to be hot.

If it is not, you’re not going to like it at…

[Edna] Oh.

That’s Sister Ruth but everybody calls her Sister Silence.

[Amanda] Why?

Well she hasn’t said a word to anybody since I’ve been in this school.

Plus, she hardly leaves this chapel except to go back to her room.

She’s always here praying.

[Amanda] How come?

No one knows.

Some people say she saw Jesus in a vision and she knows when he’s coming,

so she has decided to take a vow of silence.

Others said that she lost her tongue as a child but…

we will never know. Hm.

She ignores everybody

and the only person she acts as if she knows is Mother Superior.

[Amanda] Hmm.

Speaking of Mother Superior, we have to go now.

Why?

She’s addressing us. Well, you the new students by six.

And we cannot be late. Trust me.

- Let’s go. - [tense music playing]

Welcome to St. Augustine’s Catholic College.

- Look at them. - [Sister Jane] Premium educational…

- Preening like they own the place. - [Sister Jane continues in background]

Who?

Lashe. He calls himself Lash.

Kay-D, Tokunbo and ID.

They all stay in Ascension House. Except ID. He’s new.

He joined them when their former “leader” TEE-A graduated.

I do not intend to take too much of your time,

as many of you have traveled from long distances today.

[Amanda] What of the girl? Is she part of their crew?

[Edna] Ibukun? No.

She has been trying to get the to notice her since last year.

I guess one of them finally did.

For returning students, you know the drill.

For new students,

we hold ourselves in very high esteem.

- So what makes them so special? - [Sister Jane continues in background]

Well… they are the smartest kids in school.

They won the Scholars' Competition three years in a row.

They bring prestige and money to the school.

- Lashe is especially brilliant-- - [Amanda] Oh, I heard about that.

That’s what convinced my mom to bring me here.

- Oh. - And we do not do anything,

anything at all that will bring the school into disrepute.

‪This part… [Sister Jane continues]

I’m a bit confused. You seem not to like them but

they seem pretty well liked.

[scoffs] People like sweets but then it gives them diabetes.

What? [huffs]

Look, just trust me, they're a plague. Stay away from them!

- Because? - [Sister Jane] I…

It always ends badly for anyone that hangs out with them.

[Sister Jane] Now my door is open.

As well as the doors of your teachers.

We are here to help you.

- How do you mean? - [Sister Jane] To help you…

I don’t know and I don’t have proof. But,

every girl that hangs out with them always ends up in tears or hurt.

And no one has done anything about this?

I honestly think the school authorities just overlook their antics

because of how valuable they are to the school.

See, it is better you ignore them and avoid regrets.

[scoffs]

Listen to their instructions,

and make sure that you do not leave the school compound without permission,

especially at night.

First, you say that this school is not bad, now

you’re telling me there are people to avoid?

The school is not bad and you can have fun. Just…

Stay away from those nuisances.

She seems to be having a good time.

[Edna chuckles]

That is how it starts, but it always ends in tears.

[Edna] Mm-hmm.

[Sister Jane] God bless you all.

[students] Amen.

- [clinking] - [Ibukun gasps]

- [Ibukun] What was that sound? - [crickets chirping]

[ID] What sound?

Calm down. You’re too jumpy. [laughs]

[Ibukun] But it’s scary out here now.

[ID] Hey, hey.

Do you trust me?

[Ibukun] Yes.

- [ID] You trust me? - [Ibukun] Mm-hmm.

[ID] Okay. So, we’ll be there soon. Like…

very soon. In a few minutes, we’ll be there.

Besides, I won’t let anything bad happen to you.

- Okay? - [Ibukun] Okay.

[ID] Come on let’s go.

[Ibukun] Are we even allowed out here?

- Well, I won’t tell if you won’t tell. - [night bird calling]

Come on, let’s go. That’s the building over there.

‪-[eerie music playing] ‪-[door creaks open]

[ID] Here we are.

‪[door closes]

Whose house is this, by the way?

[ID] Oh. Here, um…

It’s Tokunbo’s uncle’s house.

He traveled. So he let’s us use this place

to study, have fun or just hang out basically.

- [Ibukun] Hmm. - [ID] Yeah.

Um… Why are you asking?

I don’t know.

Must be lovely to have a place like this.

Well,

not as lovely as you are.

‪[both chuckle]

You don’t know how long I have wanted to do this.

‪[kissing]

‪[huffs]

Really? How long?

Ever since I first saw you.

Then why did you ignore me for so long?

Yeah, well maybe I was stupid. Alright?

All I was thinking about was my studies and how to stay top of the class.

When in the real sense,

what I should have been focused on was you.

‪-[Ibukun chuckles] ‪-[eerie music continues]

- [knock on door] - [tense music continues]

- [ID] Um. - Who is that?

Don’t worry, it’s probably just Lashe and the boys.

What are they doing here?

I’ll be back. Let me just get it.

‪[breathes heavily]

- [Lashe] Is she here? - [ID] Yeah, she’s here.

Correct. Now it’s a party.

[ID] Yeah.

‪[Lashe giggles]

‪[door closes]

[Ibukun] Hi boys. What’s… What’s going on?

[Lashe] Oh nothing much. We’re just about to have some fun. [giggles]

‪[chuckles]

[Ibukun] What are you doing?

[Lashe] What does it look like?

[laughs] Isn’t that why you’re here?

No, Lashe please no. That’s…

- That’s not why I’m here. - No?

- [boys laughing] - [ID tuts]

[Lashe] I’m confused.

Weren’t you the one that wanted to hang out with us?

Have fun with us?

Girl, this is how we have fun. This is how we party.

- [Lashe laughs] - [Ibukun] No, no, no.

[Ibukun] This is not what I want. If you touch me, I will scream!

[boys laughing]

Go ahead. Shout! [yells out]

Scream on top of your lungs.

You're in the middle of nowhere.

‪-[Ibukun panting] ‪-[Lashe] No one will hear you.

[Lashe] No one is coming for you.

[Ibukun] Lashe please. Please. [Lashe] Shh, shh, shh.

This is happening whether you like it or not.

- Lashe please. Please, please. - Shh, shh.

- Please, please. - Shh, shh.

We can do it the easy way, or the hard way.

Personally, I prefer the hard way. You know, I have arms. [laughs]

I like my girls with a little fight in them.

[Ibukun] Please, please. Stop it! [screams]

Stop it!

- [Lashe] Come on. - [Ibukun screaming]

[Lashe laughing menacingly]

[Ibukun] Please.

Please stop.

Please. [crying]

Please. [Ibukun screaming]

Please.

‪-[Ibukun screaming] ‪-[Lashe] Shh, shh, shh.

- [Lashe] Whoo! Party time, boys. - [Ibukun screaming]

- [Kay-D] Come on, boy! - [Tokunbo] Yo!

- [Tokunbo] Just take it easy. - [Ibukun screaming]

[Tokunbo] It’ll be over soon.

- [Tokunbo] Come on. - [Lashe] Whoo!

[Kay-D] Lashe, rip that pant!

- [Kay-D] Rip that pant off. - [Tokunbo] Let’s just go straight.

- [Ibukun screaming] - [Kay-D laughing]

[Kay-D] Whoo!

[Lashe] Whoo!

- [Lashe] Shush! - [Ibukun screaming]

- [Lashe] Yeah. - [Kay-D] Get it!

- [Tokunbo] Better save some for us. - [Lashe] Yeah.

[Lashe laughing]

Whoo! [laughing]

- [Lashe] ID! You are the man. - [Kay-D] Hmm!

- [Lashe] My man. - [Kay-D] ID! Bad guy.

[Lashe] Drink up, bro.

- [Tokunbo] Collect. - [Lashe] Drink up, brother! [laughs]

This guy? Damn!

- [Tokunbo] Yeah! That is it. - [Lashe cheering]

[Tokunbo] See how you kept going.

[Lashe laughs] You had fun…?

‪[boys laughing]

[Lashe] You all had fun?

[Tokunbo in pidgin] You gave it to her. [laughs]

‪[door closes]

[Tokunbo in English] What are you doing?

[clicks tongue] Let her go. She’ll be alright.

[ID] What if she goes to school to report?

Report to who?

Who's going to believe her?[tuts]

guy calm down.

Okay. As you can see, it is dark.

She might not know her way back to school.

At least, let me make sure she gets back to school safe.

‪[Kay-D scoffs]

‪[door opens]

- [ID] Ibukun! - [door closes]

[Tokunbo in pidgin] What is wrong with this boy? [sneers]

- [Kay-D, in pidgin] Don’t mind him. - He’s a rookie. He’ll learn soon enough.

[ID] Ibukun!

Ibukun look… See, I…

I’m sorry, alright? Let’s just talk about this.

- I swear, I didn’t mean to. - [eerie music plays]

[night bird calls]

Look Ibukun, I know you’re somewhere here.

Just step out and let’s talk about this.

[eerie music continues]

I’m sorry.

Ibukun?

‪[strange bird calling]

Ibukun, is that you?

Look, they forced me, alright?

They force me to do it. I… I…

I swear, I didn’t want to do it.

‪-[ID sighs] ‪-[dry branch breaking]

- Ibukun? - [wind whooshing]

‪-[Ibukun panting] ‪-[bush rustling]

- [stutters] Ibukun? - [whispering voices]

Look…

Just come out, alright? Let’s just talk about this.

I’m very sorry.

- [giant footsteps approaching] - [eerie whispering voices]

Ibukun?

[growling and choking sounds]

Ibukun?

Ibukun, is that you?

‪[growling]

‪[ID chocking]

‪-[blood gushing] ‪-[giant footsteps approaching]

‪[neck breaking]

‪[Amanda panting]

‪[suspsensful music playing]

‪[Amanda continues panting]

‪[crickets chirping]

‪[eerie music plays]

[Sister Jane] Where are you coming from?

Speak up.

And don’t lie to me.

[splutters] I went out of school with ID.

And I know I shouldn’t.

He took me to this place in the bush he claimed was an uncle’s place.

And when we got there…

[whimpering] When we got there,

he and his friends came on me and they…

- They raped me. [sobbing] - [Sister Jane] Shh.

[Sister Jane] Shh.

‪[Ibukun pants softly]

Which friends do you speak of?

Lashe, Tokunbo and Kayode.

[Sister Jane] Hmm.

You will have me believe that as we speak,

those four boys are not in their beds,

and they assaulted you tonight?

Yes ma.

Hmm.

Perhaps, if you were not out late at night,

what you are alleging would not have happened.

You know the rules.

And yet, you broke them.

Hmm?

Now you have been caught and you want to make up these nasty stories--

- I am not making-- - [Sister Jane] Be quiet!

And pull yourself together.

- You embarrass yourself. - [Ibukun sniffling]

It is your word against theirs.

And I will not jump into conclusions because

you stand here giving me this sob story.

And let us assume that it did happen as you say it did.

You share a portion of the blame.

You should know better.

You should know better than to be hanging around with those boys.

‪[Ibukun sniffles]

I will get to the bottom of what truly happened tonight.

- [Sniffles] - Now get inside.

A single word of this to anyone

before I conclude my investigation,

and you will regret the consequences.

Get inside.

‪-[Ibukun sobbing] ‪-[eerie music continues]

Riff-raff.

‪[boys snoring]

‪[eerie music continues]

‪[snoring continues]

‪-[footsteps receding] ‪-[door opens and closes]

‪[eerie music continues]

‪-[Ibukun sobbing] ‪-[sad music playing]

‪[Ibukun sniffles]

[Amanda] Ibukun? Are you okay?

[Ibukun clears throat] Yes, I’m fine.

- Like I said, it always ends in tears. - [Amanda] Hmm.

‪-[eerie music fades] ‪-[crickets chirping]

[Teacher] And this is not often the case,

[Kay-D] Why is ID not in class?

I don’t know.

Or is he still sleeping?

How many rounds did he do that is making him miss class?

[Teacher] Hey, hey, hey.

The three of you.

Since you have become so, so talkative,

perhaps you could take over the class.

Um sir, you were referring to sources of energy,

natural kinds, your bio-mass, hydro, solar and what not.

Also chemical energy

like the one found in carbon-based life forms such as coal,

which is formed within the earths crust.

Showoff.

Funny thing about coal is, it is a very great source of energy.

With a little heat and pressure, it becomes diamonds,

which on the other hand, is not a great source of energy, you know?

So sir, you see science is amazing. [laughs]

[Teacher] Lashe, just because you know it,

that doesn’t mean you should disturb this class. Mm?

Give others the chance to learn. Let them learn.

I can’t help it if I know it and they don’t.

Except for the fact that you do not know it and you are wrong.

Excuse me?

Yes, coal and diamonds are both primarily made of carbon formed underneath the earth

under conditions of high temperature and pressure.

So how am I wrong?

That’s where their similarities end.

Coal does not become diamonds due to more pressure.

Coal contains impurities like plants, which are not found in diamonds.

Which means diamonds are essentially pure carbon minerals.

Also, coal is found much closer to the earth’s surface than diamonds.

- [Teacher] Hmm. - [Lashe] What are you even talking about?

Hey, she’s actually right.

[Lashe] That’s impossible.

[Amanda] Why is it impossible?

Because you assume you can never be wrong?

Just because it came out of your mouth does not mean it’s correct.

- You’re not the Oracle of Delphi. - [Edna] Hmm!

And what is that supposed to mean? Do you know who you are talking--

- [Teacher] Hey, hey! - [Lashe] Ah, sorry sir.

Settle down, the two of you.

[Teacher] I won’t stand here and allow you to hijack this class.

Thank you, Amanda, for the clarification.

So let us move on.

It is known worldwide that coal is a very…

[Edna] That was amazing. See the way you shut him up. It was insane.

Someone had to.

Besides, the whole thing with Ibukun is still upsetting me.

Then the I know it and they don’t attitude is just annoying.

Only for him to open his mouth and say nonsense.

Someone needs to stand up to him.

- [tense music playing] - Amanda, right?

I don’t think we have been properly introduced.

My name is Lashe, but you can call me Lash. This is--

She knows who who all are. Who you truly are.

[Lashe] Yeah.

I don’t know what you have been told, but I’m kind of a big deal around here.

And it’ll be in your best interest to be on my good side. Mm?

[laughs] On your good side, because you are what?

The owner of the school now, right?

‪[laughs sacasticarlly]

I wasn’t talking to you. I was talking to her.

You better shut your mouth.

- Or I can have someone do something about… - [Sister Jane] Is there a problem here?

[giggles] No ma, no.

We were just introducing ourselves to Amanda

seeing that she’s new here and she doesn’t know her way around.

Hmm. Amanda?

- [Amanda] Ma. - [Sister Jane] How are you settling in?

- Is everybody treating you well? - [tense music continues]

- Yes. - [Lashe] Yes. [laughs] Yes ma.

For the most part.

Excellent, excellent.

We like to ensure that everybody is safe, secure,

and welcome.

- [Lashe] Yes ma. [giggles] - [Kay-D] Yes, yes.

[Sister Jane] Hmm.

- [Sister Jane] Gentlemen. - [Lashe] Yes ma.

I’d like to have a word.

[Sister Jane] I shall see you around, Amanda. Edna.

See you around Amanda. Not like you have anywhere to hide.

[Sister Jane] Get to work!

‪[students chattering]

[Amanda] I can't believe Lashe just said that

and Mother Superior did not even say anything.

[Edna] She is the one enabling them because

- of how important they are to the school. - [Amanda scoffs]

[Amanda] The same person who wants the students to be safe and secure.

‪[Edna] Hmm.

[Amanda] There’s something really off about this school.

I wish I had just stayed at my former school.

[Edna] Why did you leave?

‪-[indistinct chattering] ‪-[Amanda exhales]

My mom lost her job.

Some monies got missing, so they had to lay some people off.

She was one of them.

Oh, sorry to hear that.

It’s fine.

She got another job here in Malomo.

So we had to move.

She was searching for a new place that was close by and

she saw the academic records here and she was sold.

Why? You could have enrolled anywhere to write your final exams.

‪[Amanda scoffs]

My mom is brilliant.

But she had to drop out of school to have me.

So she makes sure that my academics are not lacking.

Sorry to ask, but where is your dad in all of this?

I don’t know.

I mean, I’ve never met him.

And my mum hardly talks about him.

Every time I bring him up, she just changes the subject.

It must be really hard for her.

Not really.

My mom has always been strong and independent, even before she had me.

- Plus, I don’t give her any issues. - [Edna giggles]

It’s really just the two of us.

And your books.

- And my books. [laughs] - [Edna laughing]

[Amanda] They are my escape.

My mom reads a lot too.

But I think I overdo it.

[Edna] No.

See how it helped you to make a fool of Lashe. [laughs]

Overdo it all you want.

Boss was just stammering when you checked him.

‪[both laughing]

‪[Sister Jane] Yes. Now…

tell me…

Were any of you boys outside of school last night?

‪[eerie music plays]

No ma. we finished studying and went straight to bed.

All of us.

Why ma? Did something happen?

Yes.

A girl, uh…

Ibukun,

levelled serious accusations against you.

According to her, you were all out last night,

and um, [clears throat]

certain things occurred.

[huffs] Couldn’t have been us, ma.

Ibukun, right? I know her.

She has been disturbing us for a while now.

Yes ma. Ibukun has been a huge distraction.

Trying to prevent us from studying.

So we had to send her away.

She’s probably upset about that.

Yeah.

Are you sure?

Yes ma. Would I lie to you, ma?

Where is Idowu?

We were on our way to his hostel.

We wanted to check up on him as we haven’t seen him today.

He’s probably not feeling too fine.

Tell him I want to see him immediately.

[Lashe] Yes ma.

[Sister Jane] Now boys,

the Scholars Competition is around the corner.

I do not need to remind you how important it is that you all stay focused.

Rid yourselves of all distractions so that you can bring this home again.

- [Lashe chuckles] - [Sister Jane] Yeah.

If anybody is distracting you,

anybody at all, tell me.

I will handle it personally.

Run along, boys. And tell Idowu that I want to see him immediately.

- Okay ma, we will. - Okay ma.

Thank you ma.

‪[eerie music continues playing]

Hmm.

[Tokunbo in Language] Wow.

[in English] Where could he be?

[Boy sobbing]

What are you doing down there?

It’s Senior Lambasa that said I should wait for him here.

What did you do?

Well, I was supposed to fetch water for him today,

but I was already running late for class

and the house master said I should run to class.

And you went to class without fetching his water?!

[Kay-D] Hmm, bad idea.

Okay. Don’t worry, come out. I’ll talk to him.

No, Senior Lashe.

Lambasa said that if I’m not under this bed by the time he comes back,

I should just pack my things and I should be going home.

Do you know who is talking to you?

I said come out, he will not do anything to you.

I know he’s afraid of you, but you’re not in this hostel.

The moment you leave like this, he’ll come back.

Okay, have you seen ID today?

No, I haven’t seen him.

At least, since yesterday.

He’s the one that usually saves me from Senior Lambasa.

And you are sure you don’t want to come out?

I said I can help talk to him for you, boy.

No, no.

‪[tuts]

What do we do now?

[Kay-D] I don’t know.

[Lashe] Where could he have gone if he didn’t come back last night?

What could have possibly happened?

- Let’s go, guys. - [suspenseful music plays]

‪[flies buzzing]

‪[woman screaming]

[in Yoruba] What is this?

Holy Spirit!

‪[tense music fades]

‪[car engine revving]

‪[indistinct chattering]

‪-[door creaks, slams shut] ‪-[suspenseful music continues]

‪[indistinct chattering]

‪[suspenseful music plays]

[Policeman1] Welcome sir.

We’ve called for the ambulance to come and pick up the body.

[Sir] Can we identify who it is?

[Policeman2] We don’t know what happened to his face, sir.

But we can identify the uniform.

‪[indistinct chattering continues]

‪[woman sobbing]

‪[suspenseful music continues playing]

‪[woman continues sobbing]

[voice on radio] This is Malomo Radio, and welcome to the evening news.

On the news this evening,

a body has been found at the outskirts of the Malomo forest.

The police are yet to identify the body but they believe its a boy

who might have been attacked by a wild animal.

The officers in charge of the investigation have said

that they will get to the bottom of it.

[girl] Have you heard what happened in town today?

[all girls] What happened?

They found a dead body.

‪[all girls shocked] Wow!

and if you see the dead body eh, it was as if it was torn by a lion.

- [girl2] Jesus. - [girl1] Very horrible.

Blood everywhere.

But he was wearing our school house wear.

[Man] The body had a hole in the middle of his face.

Are you sure?

Ah! Would I lie to you?

[Boy2] Was it a student?

[Boy3] Well, I don’t know. But it happened far away from here.

On the outskirts of town. By that old tree that is cursed.

[girl1] I’ve never seen a torn body like that before.

[Girl3] But wait, you saw the body?

[girl1] It’s not like I saw it.

Enough with the noise.

Lights out.

[voice on radio in Yoruba] In the news this evening,

the body of a young boy has been found by the outskirts of the Malomo forest.

They say the boy might have been attacked by a wild animal.

The Police Force is still investigating and they are

determined to unravel the mystery behind the body.

We will keep you updated as more information comes to light.

‪[urine splashing]

‪-[growling] ‪-[footsteps approaching]

Ah-ah. Fine girl.

What are you doing here at this time?

Okay. You saw this fine boy.

Don't worry, I'm also attracted to you.

Let's get to know each other. What's wrong with you?

- Are you not the one I'm talking to? - [monster growling]

Let's be clear, I'm not normal either.

It's just that l like you a lot.

- In fact, let me give you a little kiss. - [sharp cut]

‪[Amanda gasps]

‪-[Amanda panting] ‪-[eerie music playing]

‪-[giant footsteps approaching] ‪-[Amanda panting]

[Amanda] Hello?

- Who…? Who’s there? - [eerie growling]

Who’s that?

‪[growling continues]

Who is there?

[Amanda yells] Who’s there?!

‪[footsteps approaching]

Who’s there?

Who’s that?

‪[growling crescendos]

‪[Amanda screams]

‪[Amanda panting]

‪[Amanda breathes softly]

‪[panting]

- [Sister Jane] Good morning. - [Teachers] Good morning ma.

[Sister Jane] Now I know that many of you have to go to class.

So I will make this quick.

Okay ma.

Now there have been some unconfirmed rumors

that people are being attacked and killed in town.

Including one of our students.

Now now.

To the best of my knowledge not a single student is missing.

And these attacks are taking place on the outskirts of town, by the cursed tree,

if these stories are to be believed.

[In Yoruba] That old tree on the outskirts of town?

Yes, Baba.

[in English] That is exactly where they say it is happening. So you see,

there is nothing for us to worry about, or to fear.

So for the good of the Church,

for the good of this school,

and for the safety and good of our students,

I implore everyone not to engage in unfounded rumors.

- Am I clear? - [Teachers] Yes, ma.

That would be all. Thank you.

[Sister Jane in Yoruba] Baba, it is good that you're still here because…

Baba!

Ma?

- Are you listening to me? - [Baba] Yes ma.

[Sister Jane] What's on your mind?

I was saying it's good that you're still here.

Now, I want you to go and talk to the security guards at the gate,

they need to be extra vigilant and security conscious.

- Is that clear? - [Baba] Yes ma.

I know I said we should not be afraid and I have my reasons for that.

But it is important that we ourselves know what we are doing.

Is that clear?

Yes ma.

[Sister Jane in English] That would be all.

- Good morning, ma. - [Sister Jane] Lashe.

- [Kay-D,Tokunbo] Good morning, ma. - Good morning.

- Yes? - [Lashe ] Um, ma,

ID is not in his hostel and no one has seen him in the past two days.

What are you talking about?

We think ID is missing.

But you told me,

that you were all indoors two days ago.

Yes ma, we were.

But I think ID left his hostel after lights out.

And we don’t know where he is.

Right.

I will get to the bottom of this.

I will also be in touch with his parents,

and ensure that ID has not run away home again.

- Again? - Oh yes. Yes.

ID ran away once.

In the early days, he was homesick and he went home,

but his parents asked me not to speak of it.

And now, neither will you.

- [Lashe] Yes ma. - [Tokunbo] Yes ma.

[Sister Jane] So, I will…

find out what’s going on.

But right now, I need you boys to focus on the Scholars Competition.

That is what is important. Do not forget.

- Okay? - [boys] Yes ma.

And leave all of this to me.

Off you go.

- [Boys] Thank you, ma. Thank you, ma. - [Sister Jane] And gentlemen…

not a word of this to anyone.

I mean it.

- [Lashe] Yes, ma. - [Tokunbo ] Yes, ma.

Ige…

Find out what you can about all of this… Quietly.

‪[eerie music plays]

‪[man grunts]

- [man1] You know, - [tense music playing]

I’ve been in Malomo for about a month since I got posted here,

but you seem to know this place better than I do.

[man 2] Well, my father is from here.

[man] Really?

So how come you still had to go see the Oba when you got here?

Oh.

- I was born and raised in Lagos. - Wow!

My father moved shortly before I was born.

See, it doesn’t matter that my father is from here.

If you’re coming here for the first time,

you have to go and see the Oba and tell him who your father is first.

Before I could resume or even spend the night here, I had to go see the Oba.

Why?

It’s an old tradition.

It’s supposed to help people know one another

and ward off evil spirits or something.

So what would have happened if I had lied?

Okay, I know back then,

people lived in fear of the king and juju.

They believed that if you lied to the king, you shall die.

Strange tradition.

We all have them.

Everyone has them.

[man 2] Hey, Baba.

- [in Yoruba] Good afternoon. - [Baba] Good afternoon.

[in English] We are police officers from the A Division.

We’re here to see your principal. Could you please point us to her office?

[Baba] Mother Superior, you mean?

This is the way to her office. I’ll take you to her.

Hope there’s no problem.

- No. - No. Um…

We just have a few questions about a dead body

that was found just at the edge of town.

[Baba] That’s terrible.

Em, do you know the person?

See, we are not at liberty to give you that information.

Take us to your principal or what do you call her?

- [Police officer ] Mother Superior. - [Baba] Mother Superior.

[Girl] Good afternoon sirs.

[Baba in Yoruba] Good afternoon.

[Edna] Now imagine the day you decide to sneak out of school,

one wild animal will now tear you apart. Hmm.

Me, I don’t even don't like leaving school, because…

You're not even listening.

Mmm?

Oh sorry. I feel a little funny.

Are you okay? You look tired. Do you want to go to the sick bay?

No, no.

I just didn’t sleep well last night.

I keep having the same nightmare.

What kind of nightmare?

I’m all alone in the hostel,

and then something comes to attack me. And I can’t move.

God forbid. What kind of nightmare is that?

I’m sure it’s because of all the talks of dead bodies and what not.

Maybe.

Sorry. Will you be able to cope in class?

- I’ll manage. - Okay.

Man, the babes in this school are looking rather luscious.

You do know they are under-aged, right?

I know.

But they're looking ripe, though.

Plus you know that it’s at this age that their juice is the sweetest.

Would you focus on the job at hand?

Of course, of course.

But I can chew and walk at the same time.

You get it?

[blows whistle]

If you don’t get it, forget about it.

[Baba] Yes, ma.

[In Yoruba] You have visitors. Some police officers are here to see you.

- Police officers? - Yes, ma.

Okay. Let them in.

She says you can come in.

[Policeman1] Thank you, Baba.

[Policeman2 in English] Good afternoon, Sister.

Good afternoon Officers.

- Please have your seats. - [Police officer2] Good afternoon.

[Sister Jane] How can I help you?

I’m Inspector Theophilus Achebe.

This is my colleague, Inspector Oscar Akintoye.

Right.

[Theophilus] We're here to ask you a few questions about the dead body found today.

I am confused, officer. Uh…

My understanding is that the body was found on the outskirts of town,

and nowhere around here.

Yes, that is true.

But we also found your school’s house wear on the dead body of the boy.

So, we're here to see if any of your students have been reported missing.

- [Sister Jane] Oh, no. Not at all. - [tense music playing]

All of our students are accounted for.

You’re certain someone couldn’t have slipped out.

- Officer… Theophilus? - [Theophilus] Theophilus.

Even if I say so myself, I run a very tight ship.

I would know if one of my students slipped out, or…

went missing.

Erm… as to the house wear, well that is very…

It’s a common fabric easily found in the open market.

Even the people in town have been known to buy it,

- and make outfits for their own pleasure. - [Theophilus] Hmm?

[Sister Jane] Yes, yes.

I can tell you with utmost certainty that the body found on the outskirts of town

is certainly not one of our students.

[Theophilus] Noted.

Um, well, we will not take up anymore of your time.

- [Sister Jane] Hmm. - [Theophilus] But,

If you do find that one of your students has turnout missing,

you’d contact us, wouldn’t you?

[Sister Jane] Oh, absolutely.

Absolutely, sir.

It gives me nothing but pleasure to help the police.

[Theophilus] Hmm.

Sure. Thank you very much for your time.

Oh, have a lovely day sirs.

- [Oscar] You too, ma. - [Sister Jane] Mm.

[telephone ringing]

Hello?

[Miss Adesola] Good morning.

This is Miss Adesola from the State Education Board.

I believe you can recall we had a meeting a few days ago.

[Sighs] Yes. Miss Adesola, how can I help you?

[Miss Adesola] The news of the dead boy found in the bushes

has been brought to our notice.

And as role of protocol, we will carry out a visitation to the school

to verify if it is indeed a student from St. Augustine’s College.

I see.

Miss Adesola, let me reassure you,

that all our students are safe, sound,

and within the confines of this excellent school.

But if you insist on conducting a visitation,

I suggest you do it sometime next week,

because we are currently prepping for a very, very important event.

Have a lovely day, Miss Adesola.

‪[phone hang on]

[Baba in Yoruba] You lied to those police officers.

Why didn't you tell them what you told us this morning?--

Shh.

[in English] Keep your voice down.

[in Yoruba] Why didn't you tell them about the missing student?

‪right?

You didn't tell them, Why?

Where did you hear that?

I overheard you and the boys talking about it this morning.

Is that the work I sent you?

Nevertheless, why didn't you tell them?

Baba, are you very sure that the boy is missing?

Mm?

Isn’t it possible for Idowu to run home?

[in English] Now, listen to me, carefully.

[in Yoruba] Open your ears and listen.

[in English] It is in the best interest of this school

not to arouse blind panic over baseless rumors.

[in Yoruba] So how does lying to the police now help?

They can actually help us.

[in English] God, in his infinite mercy,

does not need the help of anyone to save his own.

He never has and he never will.

[in Yoruba] Look, Baba,

go back to the gate and deliver the message I sent you.

And do not bother yourself with matters that don't concern you.

Get out of my sight.

‪Yes ma.

‪[suspenseful music plays]

You know, I think she’s hiding more than she’s letting on.

Either way, something tells me we’re going to be back here sometime soon.

That’s music to my ears.

‪[Oscar sucks teeth]

‪[anticipatory music playing]

‪[Theophilus sighs]

‪[car ignition starts]

‪[indistinct chattering of students]

You sent for me, ma.

Yeah. Mm.

Tell me once again what occurred two nights ago.

Can I sit, ma?

If you must.

[Ibukun clears throat]

‪[Ibukun clears throat]

I, um…

[stutters] I, we… I…

Speak up.

Have you forgotten what you want to say?

The other day, you had quite a bit to say

and now that you have the opportunity, what?

You can no longer speak?

[Ibukun clears throat]

ID asked if I wanted to spend some time with him and I said yes.

He then took me to this place far into the bush.

And when we got there, we… we were…

[hesitates] We…

You were having some fun.

- Yes ma. - [Sister Jane] Hmm.

[Ibukun] And…

And before I knew it, [shuddering breaths]

Lashe and the others came and they…

[sobbing] They…[gasps]

I would say that you got exactly what you were looking for.

No. No, ma.

I went there with ID and ID alone.

I thought he liked me.

I wasn’t looking for anything with the others.

No one deserves what happened to me. No one.

Hmm.

It’s not like I believe you. However,

some new information has come to light and I am currently investigating it.

Now tell me,

can you tell me what occurred when they, uh…

When they finished. [clears throat]

‪[sniffles]

I…

I grabbed my clothes and ran off.

I couldn’t stay in the same room with them any longer.

And they were all there?

Yes.

Lashe, Tokunbo, Kayode and ID.

When you ran off,

did anyone come after you?

Yes, I…

I heard ID calling out my name but I did not wait.

I ran as fast as I could.

And?

And I got back to school and I saw you.

Hmm.

Ma.

They say ID has not been back to school since the night in question.

Some say something bad might have happened to him.

I believe you have enough wisdom not to engage in baseless rumors.

I don’t believe anything bad has happened to ID.

I believe that he ran away, back home.

Perhaps out of, uh…

guilt or whatever.

Nevertheless, I will get to the bottom of what really happened that night.

You may go.

And remember…

Miss Ibukun…

not a word of this exchange to anyone.

I hope the rumors are true.

And I hope he never returns.

‪[wistful music plays]

‪[door closes]

‪[boys cheer]

[Lashe] Hold him now. Ooh!

[Tokunbo] You people should come and play.

[Lashe tuts] You guys were not supposed to score now.

You guys are lucky this ball is bad. Ugh!

Bro, no excuses, man. Why would these boys win us?

We’ll play another time.

Guy, we have to play them tomorrow.[tuts]

Now small boys will just say that they won us.

But what if that body is actually ID’s?

It can’t be.

I’m sure it’s just like Mother Superior said.

He has run home.

[in Pidgin] Maybe he wasn’t up to it.

[in English] Let’s just wait till we hear from his people.

Has anyone of you ever heard him talk about his family before?

No.

Come to think of it,

every time I bring it up, he quickly changes the subject.

[in Pidgin] Please, let’s sit down.

My leg hurts.

[in English] These boys are not supposed to win us now,

later, they will go and tell everybody they won Lashe. Ugh!

[Tokunbo] Stop thinking about it.

See, tomorrow, we are bringing our ball,

we are setting everything, we are even…

Bruh, it has to be perfect.

Out of curiosity, what kind of wild animal could have done this?

Bro, we’ve never come across any wild animal in that bush.

So why is it now that a wild animal wants to attack him or anyone for that matter?

But what if it’s someone from this school?

Someone from this school?

Nah, it can’t be. Unless that person wants to die.[tuts]

What if it’s her?

[Lashe] Hey!

[tense music playing]

If I find out you had anything to do with ID’s disappearance,

I’ll make you regret the day you were born.

[Ibukun] Do you think I’m afraid of you?

Or you?

Or you?

Do your worst.

Bastards! All of you!

Do you think you can know any peace?

Whatever happened to ID is just the beginning.

You have no idea what I’m capable of.

I’ll make what we did the other day to you seem like child’s play,

and you know I don’t bluff.

[Baba] What is going on here?

[Lashe] Oh, nothing sir. We’re just having a friendly conversation,

weren’t we, Ibukun? [chuckles]

Let’s go, boys.

See you around, Ibukun.

What was all that for?

What did they do to you?

Nothing.

Doesn’t really matter.

No one is going to believe me, anyway.

‪[suspenseful music plays]

[Lashe] By the time I am done with her, she would wish she had never been born.

- I swear down. - Me, Lashe. I should do my worst?

Okay now.

[in Pidgin] She doesn’t know who she’s talking to.

[in English] Bro can you imagine the tone?

She was talking to me like that. [speechless]

- [soft music playing] - Meanwhile…

What are we going to do about the new fish?

‪[Lashe clicks tongue]

‪[sucks teeth]

Don’t worry guys, I have a plan.

Ironically, this ID’s issue is what I’ll use to make it happen.

[chuckles] Let’s go.

[Lashe] Hmm.[tuts]

[Woman in Yoruba] Thank you God, I made a good sale.

I know what I'm going to prepare to eat the minute I get home.

Then I'm going to have my bath and then sleep. Thank you God--

- [Man in Yoruba] Hold it, right there. - [woman] Thief.

- [man] Give me all your money. - [woman] Please.

- [man] Bring it out! - [woman] Please.

‪-[Knife slashes] ‪-[Woman] please

[woman pants] Thief!

‪-[footsteps approaching] ‪-[loud growling]

‪-[man choking] ‪-[neck breaking]

‪[Amanda screams, panting]

‪-[footsteps approaching] ‪-[eerie growling]

‪[screams]

‪[panting]

‪-[eerie music plays] ‪-Amanda panting]

‪-[tense beats] ‪-[indistinct chattering]

‪[tense music playing]

‪[indistinct chatter continues]

‪[tense music continues playing]

‪[indistinct chattering continues]

‪[female voice in Yoruba] ‪God, what would have happened here?!

‪[tense music continues fades]

[in Yoruba] It's back.

The thing that Sister Ruth saw all those years ago, it's back.

The police officers saw a dead body this morning in the forest.

The body had marks identical to the one Sister Ruth saw all those years ago.

Are you not listening to me?

Why the noise this morning, Baba?

Hm?

This body, does it look like a student of this school?

[Baba] No but--

[in English] So what has all this ranting got to do with me?

[in Yoruba] What if it comes to the school?

What would bring it here?

[Sister Jane] Mm? Baba?

Come, let's reason together. Who knows exactly what that thing was?

You didn't tell us.

Ruth herself did not say anything. In fact, she doesn’t talk anymore.

So, how does it now affect me?

I said the marks in this body

are identical to the one Ruth saw back then.

I know what I saw.

[Sister Jane] Baba.

Are you sure or are you back on the…?

This is not about drinking. I know what I saw.

If you refuse to do anything about it, I will take matters into my own hands.

I will not let this thing come here.

[in English] Baba, nothing is coming for anybody.

[Sister Jane] Mm?

Like I said, it is most likely that Idowu went back home.

[in Yoruba] As I sit here,

I'm waiting for his parents to call me to tell me that he's at home.

[in English] Just because you say it, doesn’t mean it’s true.

[in Yoruba] A lie can go on for years but one day the truth will catch up to it.

[in English] Of course it is true.

Baba.

- [in Yoruba] Why would I lie? - [breathes heavily]

Old man,

[in English] I’m worried about you.

Mm?

I’m worried about you.

Do you need to take some days off?

[Baba in Yoruba] One does not sleep in peace when the house is on fire.

[in English] I think you should.

Mm?

I think you should.

[in Yoruba] Go home, rest.

When you're calmer, come back.

Leave all this talk of evil spirits and dead bodies alone.

Baba, you are aware of what will happen if outsiders hear you talking like this.

If they believe you,

[in English] they will shut this school down.

And you don’t want that to happen.

If it will make the children safe, yes, I support it.

Baba. Old man!

[in Yoruba] Think about this carefully.

[in English] What if you’re wrong?

Baba?

What if you’re wrong?

You will lose your job,

the final year students that you love

will not be able to write their exams.

[in Yoruba] I want you to remember,

I was the only one.

[in English] I was the only person that agreed to give you a job

when everybody turned their back against you.

And what about your dear Ruth? Huh?

[in Yoruba] What about her?

[in English] What do you think will happen to her?

[in Yoruba] They'll transfer her to a different parish.

[in English] And you will never see her again. Is that what you want?

[in Yoruba] I know what I saw.

[in English] I know you think you did.

But let me assure you…

Nobody wants what’s best for this school, and my students

more than me.

And I will never…

I will never do what is not in their best interest.

[in Yoruba] So believe me when I say leave this matter alone. Go home and rest.

[in English] The glory to God,

[in Yoruba] remember that we are God's children.

Mm?

God always protects his own children.

Let it go. Go home and rest.

[in English] You will feel better after a few days, Baba.

All is well.

‪[wistful music plays]

We need to do something about him.

But for now, just keep a close watch on him.

‪[orchestral music playing]

‪[wistful music continues playing]

Sister Ruth.

That thing you saw that night, it is back.

And it is killing people now.

I believe it has killed one of our students

and it may be heading in this direction.

I know it’s a bad thing, for you to not have spoken for this long time.

- [Baba sighs] You… - [muttering indistinctly]

You didn’t tell me anything.

My father did not talk to me either.

‪[sighs]

[in Yoruba] The evil spirit is back and you're not saying anything.

Say something.

[in English] I know you love these children,

and if there’s anything you can tell me to help the police investigation,

let me know.

Ruth.

[in Yoruba] Please.

[in English] Ruth.

[in Yoruba] Please.

Help me.

- Say something. - [muttering indistinctly continues]

‪[sighs]

[in English] I am very sorry…

I couldn’t protect you that night.

I am sorry.

[in Yoruba] When you're ready to talk, you know where to find me.

‪[orchestral music continues playing]

[Sister Jane in English] Yes, Sister. Thank you so much for your feedback.

Right. Goodbye now.

Let me see what these kids are up to.

[Lashe] Hello ma, we were just coming to see you.

Is there a problem?

[Kay-D] No ma, we were wondering if you’ve heard anything from ID.

ID!

Uh, actually no. We have not heard anything from ID.

But there’s no reason to panic. I’m sure that he is fine.

What you should be concerned about is the competition coming up soon.

So tell me, how are your preparations going?

Well, that is the second reason why we came to see you.

[Sister Jane] Hmm.

With ID gone, we are shorthanded as we need a fourth member to complete the team.

[Sister Jane] Hmm.

[Tokunbo] Only two people are actually going to compete.

But the other two not only serve as alternates in case anything happens,

they also help with the preparations.

[Mother Superior] I see.

Right. Okay.

Simply nominate another boy from your class

and make him the fourth member of your group.

No ma, it’s not that simple.

Why not?

[Lashe] Ma, as a unit, we are only as strong as the weakest link in the unit.

You know how tough this competition is.

If we don’t have the best of the best, we can be defeated.

And ma, we can’t afford to let that happen.

Ah no, not at all.

Right. So, uh…

What do you want me to do?

We would like your permission to add Amanda to the team.

Amanda?

Amanda, the new girl?

But why?

You yourself told me that would rather not have a female member in the group,

because they form some sort of distraction.

Well, ma. That was before we met Amanda.

You need to see her in class, ma.

- The way she spars with teachers. - [Sister Jane] Mmm.

She is really brilliant. I mean, she’s not on our level, per se.

Erm, no one really is, but we think she’ll make a good addition to the team.

I see.

And you’re sure that this is who you want?

Yes ma, 100%.

Alright then.

- Sister Sarah? - Yes, Mother?

Would you be so kind as to help me, go to SS3 A and, uh…

call me Amanda, I would like to have a word?

Okay, Mother.

[Sister Jane] Hmm.

Now you boys better be sure about this.

- Yes ma. - We’re sure.

We’re trying to bring the competition home again.

Absolutely. Absolutely. Now run along.

- [boys] Thank you ma. - [Sister Jane] I will sort it out.

‪[eerie music playing]

- Yes. - [Amanda] You sent for me, ma.

[Sister Jane] Amanda, please come in. Have your seat.

Yes.

I have been unable to conduct a one on one with you since you arrived.

Which is my usual practice.

But as you have been aware, we have been very busy over the last several days.

So tell me, how has the school been treating you?

I can’t complain. Everyone has been fair with me.

Excellent.

Now, word of your academic exploits have gotten to me.

And going by the transcripts sent by your former school,

you are an exceptionally gifted student.

Thank you very much ma.

Yes, it says here,

in your application, let me see now.

Yes, right here.

That you chose this school because of our very high academic standards,

and especially because of our performance at the Scholars Competition.

I’m sorry ma, but I didn’t write that.

My mom did.

Oh?

Yes. She was the one who wanted me to come here.

I didn’t.

I see.

I see. Well, I must send her a thank you note.

She has exquisite taste.

Nevertheless,

I would like to give you an opportunity

to make your mother very, very proud.

How do you mean, ma?

The Scholars Competition is round the corner.

Our usual four man team that represents the school

is now down to three due to circumstances beyond our control.

I would like for you to replace ID.

Me?

Why? Isn’t he coming back?

That is not a question that I can respond to at this time.

ID has been known to run away before and, uh…

it took quite a while before he returned.

By the time he gets back, who knows?

The competition may have been over and done with.

And that is a risk that I am not willing to take.

I don’t know what to say, ma.

[Sister Jane] Oh, you accept.

You accept.

You have the right qualifications,

and the boys themselves have deemed you a perfect fit.

- They have? - [Sister Jane] Oh yes.

They are the ones who recommended you.

I see.

[Sister Jane] Plus, think of how proud your mother would be.

You will garner the respect and adulation of your classmates,

plus a share of the prize money.

And if I refuse?

‪[tense music plays]

[soft chuckle]

Oh dear, dear, dear.

Amanda.

Academic excellence can be affected by many factors.

Do we understand each other?

Understood.

Excellent.

You are doing what is best for the school.

Now,

The boys meet at seven p.m. every evening,

at the classroom by the gate.

They will be expecting you.

‪Yeah.

‪[tense music continues]

[Edna] What happened? What did she want?

She said I have to join Lashe and his boys in the Scholars Competition,

or she’ll make sure I fail my exams.

[Edna] What?

Ah-ah! Why?

Why else? This is their way of getting back at me.

Well, we’re not going to let them.

I’m coming with you for moral support.

- [Amanda] Really? - [Edna] Mm-hmm.

- Thank you so much. That will mean a lot. - Of course.

Do you think I’m going to pass up on another

opportunity to watch you school those boys? [laughs]

- Just don’t let me down. - Ugh,

those boys don’t know what is about to hit them.

- Good. [laughs] - [Amanda laughs]

For this next game, we have to be very serious.

We might even involve provisions.

So they’ll know we’re serious.

- And another thing is, those guys can be-- - [door opens]

No, no, no. Members only.

[scoffs] That is your business.

I said you’re not welcome.

Let me make one thing clear. She stays or I go.

[Edna] Mm-hmm.

What will Mother Superior say if I go and tell her

you brought someone that was interrupting our practice?

I don't care what you or Mother Superior say or do.

It is either we both stay or we both go.

[Tokunbo] Why? Don’t you trust us?

[Lashe] You know,

this doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience.

If only you would relax, you might actually

enjoy the experience and our company.

We can stand here and deal with trivialities or we can begin practicing.

There is still a competition to win.

[Edna] Mm-hmm.

- What are we starting with? - [books clatter on desk]

[Lashe] Hmm.

Mathematics.

Okay.

I prepared some questions to determine who the best student is amongst us

and will be representing us in the competition.

[boys laughing]

No, no, no.

I think you are mistaken.

Tokunbo and I always represent the school.

We have won three in a row after all.

You and Kay are alternates.

Why the both of you?

Why not Kay?

And how are we sure you're the best?

[Tokunbo] Um, because we won the last competition.

[Amanda] And that only means that you were the best last year.

- [Edna] Mm-hmm. - Not this year.

Don't you want to be absolutely sure that

the two best students are the ones representing…?

[Lashe yells] We are the two best students!

Then you should have no problem taking the test.

I’m not taking any test.

And you need to learn your place.

I was in my place before you guys decided to coerce me into your little club.

What were you expecting?

Take the test.

If you’re as good as you as you say you are, then you should have no issues.

‪[Edna ] Mm-hmm.

- You know, - [tense music continues]

you really are not in any position to tell anyone what to do.

We tell you what to do.

Where do you think you’re going?

Both of you came in here thinking you could protect yourselves from us?

- [Edna] Go back or I’ll scream. - [Tokunbo giggles]

[Tokunbo] By all means.

Go ahead and see if help comes.

‪-[Tokunbo laughs] ‪-[Edna whimpering]

- [Amanda] Go back. - [door opens]

- [Baba] What is going on here? - [Tokunbo] Hah!

[Baba] You?

You again?

I’m going to have to report you to Mother Superior.

[Lashe] For what, sir?

We were just doing a little studying, sir.

Weren’t we, girls?

See, books everywhere.

You're done here.

[Lashe] I guess that’s enough studying for tonight.

Bye ladies.

Good night. [chuckles]

Good night sir.

I am getting tired of that old man butting in where he is not wanted.

[Theophilus] There must be something we are missing.

Three dead bodies, no witnesses.

And those who are saying it’s a wild animal,

have they ever seen marks like that before?

[Baba] I have.

[Officer] Sir, this man said he wanted to see you, sir.

[Oscar] Thank you, Jide.

‪[footsteps receding]

‪[Baba grunts]

[Theophilus] You have seen marks like these before?

When?

Where?

[Baba] Twenty years ago.

That’s the main reason every visitor must

see Kabiyesi before they are allowed to sleep in the town.

My father told me it’s because we want everyone to know everyone

and to ward off evil, right?

That was the story we told everybody.

But the real story is much darker.

[Sister Ruth] I really like your dress. It’s so pretty.

And I like your shoes too. I like the sound they made earlier.

[Rosemary] Thank you. My mom got them for me.

I never really got the chance to wear them until tonight.

[Sister Ruth] Okay. Uh,

I had no idea it was this late.

I know, it’s like time just flies every time we go there.

Okay, here we are. Um,

are you sure you’ll be safe? Or should I come home with you?

No, no. There’s no need. I’m almost home.

I’ll just take that shortcut I told you about.

- [Sister Ruth] Okay. - I’ll just take it.

I still don’t understand why you don’t want to stay in school.

The rules are too much.

Do you ever think that Mother Superior would allow me dress like this

if I stayed at school?

Do you?

- [laughing] - [Rosemary] You see?

Fair enough. But you know the rules are there to protect you.

And you already live like a Nun.

You live a chaste life.

But you didn’t take the vow of chastity like we all did.

Sister Ruth,

I chose to save myself for marriage.

But you…

I mean, you’re doing it for religion. They are different things.

Okay.

You win.

Please make sure you take care of yourself.

Get home safe, okay?

And I’ll see you tomorrow.

You too.

- [Sister Ruth] Take care. - [Rosemary] Good night.

[Sister Ruth] Hurry.

- [Sister Ruth] Yes, good night. - [Rosemary] Good night. Bye bye.

‪[crickets chirping]

- [Man ] Aunty Rosemary! - [Rosemary shocked, whimpers]

[in Yoruba] You're not afraid? [laughs]

[Rosemary in English] Bolu, it’s you. I was afraid it was something else.

[Bolu in Yoruba] You actually should be afraid.

Walking alone in this evil forest should actually make you afraid.

A person from a good home doesn't keep late nights.

[man 1] You never know the dangers and evil

‪lurking behind the trees in this forest.

‪-[both men laugh] ‪-[Rosemary shocked]

[man 1] And you're walking about all by yourself.

It’s okay.

[Bolu] The fact that you're not from around here doesn't

mean you shouldn't respect our culture and tradition.

[both men] ♪ An indigene will tread softly in the face of danger ♪

♪ But you strangers will just walk in anyhow ♪ [laughs]

[Bolu] Or do you think your Jesus and Mary will save you

if the evil spirits in this forest come out and attack you?

[in English] [laughs] Bolu, you know I don’t understand Yoruba so well.

I’m just going home. I mean, my house is not so far…

This place is like, the fastest, erm… to my house.

I’m just…

- I'm just trying to go home. - [man 1] Where are you

‪-rushing to? ‪-[Bolu] Huh?

- We came out here to play with you. - [man 1] To play with you.

- [in English] Please, I’m just trying to… - [both men laugh]

- [man 1 in Yoruba] Calm down. - [Bolu] Where are you rushing to?

[man 2] Didn't you tell her she has to stay and play with us this night?

‪[Rosemary whimpering] Bolu.

[Bolu] Don't mind her. Where do you think you're running to?

She's unaware of what she's gotten herself into.

Bolu please.

[Bolu in Yoruba] Bring the mortar out, let's pound the yam.

- [Bolu] Hold her down. [laugh] - [Rosemary screaming]

[Rosemary in English ] Please, Bolu, Bolu.

- Bolu please, I beg you. Please. - [men laughing]

Please, I beg you. No, no.

‪-[Rosemary continues to scream] ‪-[cloth tearing]

‪[men continue to laugh]

[Rosemary] Bolu please, I beg you.

Bolu please, I beg you.

Please, I beg you. Bolu please.

‪[Bolu laughing]

Bolu please, I’m begging.

‪-[Rosemary crying] ‪-I entered well. It's ecstatic.

‪-[Rosemary yells out loudly] ‪-[man 1] This is fantastic!

[men singing in Yoruba] ♪ Is it or is it not over? ♪

‪-[men laugh] ‪-[Rosemary sobbing]

[Bolu] Is this not what you've been hiding from us?

Walking around proudly. As if God created you specially.

What's left? Huh?

Tell me.

[men] Ah!

Ah!

- [man 1] Bolu. - [Bolu] Ah!

‪-[Bolu] Ah! ‪-[Rosemary continues sobbing]

- [man 2] Bolu. - [Bolu wincing] My eyes!

Blood!

Bolu.

‪[Bolu screams]

Bolu.

‪-[Bolu] Leave me alone! ‪-[Rosemary continues sobbing]

‪[Rosemary screams in pain]

[Bolu] Don't you dare move your face.

- [man 1] Bolu! Stop it. - [man 2] Bolu! It's enough.

[Bolu] Let me go!

‪-[Bolu punching] ‪-[bones crackling, blood gushing]

- [man 1 yelling] Bolu! - [Rosemary whimpering softly]

- [man 2] Leave her alone. Let's leave. - [Rosemary sobbing]

[Bolu] Leave me alone.

Let's go, let's go.

‪[tense music crescendos]

‪[Rosemary coughing]

‪-[whimpering] ‪-[crickets chirping]

‪[grunts]

‪[whimpering]

‪[groans]

‪-[eerie growling] ‪-[eerie whispering voices]

‪[wolves howling]

‪[theme music plays]

Subtitle translation by: Regina Njoku