There is a coven; ancient by calendar, and where members are not just pursuing a degree in their crafts, but also mastering the science of living in darkness; the shadow’s embrace. A place where seeing a bulb flicker prompts a series of silent chants. Not of thanks, but of fear, because the light might just disappear again.
The coven now doubles as a practical laboratory in power outage endurance. Here, members are no longer graded solely on practices and projects, but also on their creativity in surviving by torchlights’ gentle glows. Lamps and torchlights are now prized possessions, and those lucky enough to own powered talismans are treated with the reverence reserved for royalty.
Speaking plainly, there is a lack of electricity. The absence is faithful, like a romantic partner that never leaves your side. A loyal companion that holds your hand during trying times, and reminds you every hour that promises, especially campaign ones, are meant to be poetic, not practical. In halls, the bulbs sit like ancient artifacts; present, but purely decorative. Switches are flicked out of habit, not hope. You press them the way a person calls an ex, knowing full well nothing good will come of it, but still trying because what else is left?
Once upon a manifesto, the coven leaders emerged. Their speeches were so powerful; they could light up a room, just not literally. Unfortunately, it seems the only power transferred was the kind that exists in motivational speeches. They do understand members’ inconvenience and appreciate their patience. But come to think of it, how much longer will their patience last if situations like this occur more than thrice in a semester of practical studies?
The Intelligence Unit? Always ready to inform that the unavailability of electricity is due to the lack of power supply from IBEDC, as if information alone will make the wires weep and the sockets spark with joy.
Exams are around the corner. It is members’ hope that they are not inconvenienced. If the supply of electricity is this way before exams, they hope it does not get worse during them. Deep down, everyone knows the truth: the light will come back, but only after the suffering is complete; for maximum dramatic effect. Until then, we will sit and watch but one thing is certain; if members of this coven survive this situation, they can survive anything.
Eniola Gege
RENARSA PRESS UI 