Lockdown

Lockdown. Lockdown. Lockdown. We’re all huddled in a corner, eyes squeezed tight. The lights are all off, we’re deprived of the light. Maybe if I keep my eyes closed it will all go away. There is so much fear that words can’t even convey. Lockdown. Lockdown. Lockdown. My heart is pounding in my chest, my palms are sweating, and silent tears fall down my face. What if today I became an officer's new case? I hold my knees close, I feel the pressure in my chest. This morning all I had to worry about was my Science test. Lockdown. Lockdown. Lockdown. I hear cries, heavy breathing, and the slight intercom hum. The teacher keeps us silent, something we used to think was dumb. The drills don’t prepare you for the deafening silence. We never listened before, but now all we show is compliance. Lockdown. Lockdown. Lockdown. I smell the perfume of the girl next to me, whose face is tear-stained. I get a whiff of the boy's cologne in front of me, I notice how his eyes are nothing but drained. The smells mix with my teacher's favorite scent. The class smelled like vanilla every day, calming as its intent. Lockdown. Lockdown. Lockdown. I taste the food I had before this horrid experience lingering in my dry mouth. My stomach is churning, the food begging to come out. I swallow hard with little strength left over. I look at my teacher, searching for courage in someone older. Lockdown. Lockdown. Lockdown. I find nothing but fear in my teacher's tired eyes. No matter the words of reassurance, we can tell they’re all lies. There is no way of knowing what might happen next. If I make it out of here today, what will be the lasting effects? I’m scared, I’m exhausted. I want to go home. I start to think the worst, my mind starts to roam. My only wish right now is simple and easy. Please, I’m begging, don’t let anyone forget me.