I sit in seventh grade Social Studies, bored. I read my favorite book, as I eavesdrop on all the hidden conversations. Naturally, the one most prevalent is about a "threat". I subtly lean in to get more information. I even ask questions that get melded into the conversation. A kid from another town? Threatening to shoot our school up? TOMORROW?! Naturally, I freaked out, and immediately asked my friend, who knew about as much as I did, to check their social media account. All over the posts were ones from our school, kids saying they aren't going to school tomorrow, because they are so scared.

A little while later, I'm on my way to dance. I sit in the car as my mom tells, me that thankfully, that there are no grounds to the threat and I am safe. The police investigated. Still, it doesn't stop the fear from pooling in my stomach the next morning, as I get ready for what could have been my last day.

I exhale when I leave school. I'm safe. I'm alive. But the fear was oh so real. And I can't help but think of what might have happened if it was real.

Thanks so much to OneVoiceManyChildren for this idea!