As I turn back toward the exit, I suddenly hear footsteps and voices coming from all directions. Teachers and other staff members rush out of their offices, and soon the teachers who were teaching also come out to see what's going on. The chaos is immense, people are shouting at each other, and soon almost the entire school is in the hallway: teachers, assistants, students, janitors, and many other office workers. "Everyone back to your classrooms! Now!" Many students are pushed back, most of them already going back to their classrooms, while others need more shouting. I glance around briefly; everyone is confused, and I don't think many people even know what's happening.
I try to walk to the exit. I think it's best not to interfere; it'll sort itself out. As I turn back toward the exit, a teacher stops me. Before I know it, I'm being pulled into the auditorium where most of the students have gathered. What are we doing here? Why this chaos, and why can't I go outside?
After a while, the school has quieted down. Students in the auditorium have come to terms with us being here (anything's better than class), and it seems like the teachers have gained more insight into the situation as well.
I see Mrs. Brooks, my mentor, walk by. She's already spoken to a few students from our class, but I've sat down in the back, hoping I still have a chance to go outside. She walks toward me, a worried look on her face. "Are you okay?" she asks me. "Things got a bit heated in there." I answer her with a nod, "What was going on?" Before she can answer, we hear the principal calling through the auditorium, "If you could just be quiet—" The noise in the auditorium fades away, and he continues. "There's been a serious incident, the police are on their way, no one is allowed to leave the building right now." I sigh deeply; I shouldn't even be here; I should already be in the deli. Mrs. Brooks turns around, "I think you'll be among the first to leave later, but I'd suggest you cancel your plans now..." and with that, she walks on.