The Story of Us

Chapter 2-Trauma

The rest of the week is okay until Friday. I currently teach high school US History. We aren't a very large school but big enough. It is a typical day until a little after lunch.

"Attention, teachers, we are now on lockdown."

It is my planning period, so I only have to take care of myself in my room. I turn off all the lights and sit over to the side, away from the door. It is pitch black in my room, and suddenly, there is the sound of shouting and feet running down the hallway, then silence. I have my phone in my hand with the screen brightness turned down and silent. More feet were running, and I heard what sounded like some talking across a walkie-talkie.

Tae: Jin called and said that a friend of his is a

cop, and they were dispatched to the high school.

Me: We are on lockdown. I have no idea what

is going on. Just lots of running and yelling.

Tae: You are in your planning, right, no kids?

Me: I'm kind of scared.

Tae: I know, baby. Just stay put no matter what.

I'm on my way right now.

There is nothing but silence for a while. Finally, after another hour, an all-clear is called, and we are able to leave since it is the end of the day. I let out a breath and packed my stuff quickly to leave. Outside, Tae is standing on the sidewalk, talking to one of the officers. The second he sees me, he rushes over. I can tell he wants to hug me but is hesitant because of everything. I nod at his questioning look, and he engulfs me in a hug.

I breathe him in and feel like all is right in the world. God, I missed this. I feel tears come to my eyes from the stress of the last few hours and the fact the he has his arms around me. He goes to let go, and I tighten my arms around him, and he squeezes me closer.

"Come on, let's get you home." He finally says.

He followed me to my car, and then he followed me all the way home. Once there, he follows me inside. He hasn't been inside the house in 3 months. I put my stuff down.

"Why don't you go take a bath, and I will order us something to eat."

"I appreciate this, but you don't have to do this. I'm okay."

"Do you not want me here?" He asks, trying to hide the hurt.

"No, that's not it. I just don't want you to feel like you need to be."

He comes and stands in front of me.

"I do. I need to be here and see you. See that you are okay. I was so scared today when Jin called. If you are okay with me being here, I need to be close for my own peace of mind."

I nod because, honestly, right now, I would love nothing more than for him to be close. After taking a quick shower and dressing in comfy clothes, I return to the living room. He is sitting on the couch, looking through one of our photo books. It was when we went to Disney World one year. I stand there in the shadows and just watch him. He is still the most beautiful person inside and out.

I wish I could force myself to let go of the hurt. But his words that day gave voice to my own guilt, and I just...I don't know. But having him here and at home, I feel like I can breathe for the first time in months. I walk over and sit beside him, looking at the book beside him, smiling at the page he is on.