The sun had barely risen when a sudden commotion shattered the calm of the estate. An urgent alarm echoed softly through the halls, startling the finalists awake. A staged emergency was unfolding a test designed to reveal who would crack under pressure and who would rise with steady hands and a clear mind.
Titi was among the first to respond, her years of nursing experience guiding her steps as she moved swiftly down the corridor. Joy followed closely, her calm presence a reassuring contrast to the rising panic in some of the others.
The Scene Unfolds
In the common room, a volunteer actor lay motionless on the polished floor, his face pale and sweat-beaded. The candidates circled, eyes wide with concern. It was a test, but to many it felt frighteningly real.
"Call for help!" someone shouted. "Is anyone a doctor?"
Titi knelt beside the man, checking for a pulse while instructing others to clear the space. Joy calmly assisted, offering soothing words as she helped stabilize the "patient."
Remi paced nervously nearby, his usual confidence shaken. Cynthia's hands trembled as she fumbled for her phone. Chika barked orders, but her voice cracked, betraying her stress.
Strength and Fragility
The panel watched from behind the glass, eyes sharp and unblinking.
Mrs. Eze whispered, "This will show us who controls their emotions and who does not."
Titi's steady voice and precise actions contrasted with Cynthia's tears, which flowed freely as she crouched beside the actor, overwhelmed by the scenario.
Farouk moved with quiet assurance, calmly directing others to assist.
Idowu showed resilience, though his stern exterior softened as he comforted a distressed candidate.
Breaking Points
As the minutes stretched, the stress tested everyone's limits.
Joy noticed Cynthia's faltering composure and knelt beside her, offering a hand and a whisper of encouragement.
"It's a test, not real," Joy reminded gently. "You can do this."
Cynthia nodded, wiping her eyes. "I just don't want to fail."
Observers' Verdict
Behind the glass, the panel exchanged notes.
"Titi and Joy show not only skill but emotional maturity," Dr. Adewale said.
"Cynthia's vulnerability is a concern, but her willingness to recover is promising," Mrs. Eze added.
Kenny's gaze was fixed on Remi, whose hands shook visibly. "Ambition without control can be dangerous."
Aftermath and Reflection
The test concluded with the "patient" stable and the candidates gathered in the lounge, exhaustion and relief mingling in their expressions.
Titi approached Cynthia quietly. "You did well. Pressure reveals, but it also teaches."
Cynthia smiled weakly. "Thank you. I want this… more than anything."
Joy added, "We all want the same thing to prove we're worthy."
Mama Iroko's Visit
Later that day, Mama Iroko summoned the finalists to her sitting room. Her gaze was piercing yet kind.
"You have all shown strength," she said. "But caregiving is more than managing emergencies. It is about patience, loyalty, and love."
She looked each candidate in the eye. "Remember, the heart must lead."
Bonds Deepen
As the evening drew near, quiet conversations replaced earlier tensions. Titi and Joy shared a moment of gratitude for their growing friendship. Others found solace in shared struggles.
The Loyalty Game was far from over, but tonight had brought clarity the true test was only beginning.