Sitting in my classroom, taking notes during an English lecture, thinking that nothing bad could happen. Everything was normal for the first half of class. Everything was the same routine. Pick up the papers, write the notes, get a jump start on the homework. By the time you're about five minutes into the homework, the bell would ring, signaling the end of class and the start of lunch. Something painful ending and something beautiful to take its place.

The bell rings at exactly 12:21, no excuses. But today, for the first time, the bell stayed silent. Even though there was no bell, everyone already looked at the clock, knowing it was time to go. The teacher even dismissed us, telling us it was probably just a prank. As soon as we got up from our seats, the intercom crackled to life. What spoke to us sounded like no member of ASB, nor a staff member calling someone to the office. It sounded scared and crackly. "Teachers and Students, there is an unidentified person on campus, and they appear to be armed. Proceed with lockdown, this is not a drill." Then, silence.

No one dared to speak. Usually, during a drill, everyone would talk, making jokes about how we were all going to die. Now, everyone everywhere was silent, trying to process this new given information. Someone was on campus with a weapon. Everyone began to move, but not nearly fast enough. We heard gunshots, and it was as if time stopped. Everyone seemed to even quiet their breathing and froze on the spot for fear of making noise. It was already too late.