Science Fair Corridor in Ouidah Monsoon Night

Warm firelight spills across cinderblock walls inside a quiet school corridor in Ouidah, illuminating science fair boards lined up for the monsoon season. Posters curl slightly at the edges where tape holds them to the rough, gray concrete blocks. The wide panoramic view reveals rows of colorful charts and diagrams resting against the textured surfaces, their bright colors glowing under the low, amber light. Shadows stretch long into the corners where the lamplight settles, leaving the far end of the hall in deeper darkness. Dust motes hang suspended in the thick air, catching the glow of the flame. One poster corner flutters against the wall, held fast by a strip of silver tape.