The Doctor's Dilemma

Chapter 15: Now or Never

Attention: This chapter includes events with gun violence. If you are uncomfortable reading about such events/experiences, only read before and after the marked sections.

Monday, July 19, 2018
Third Person POV:

In the Junior State of America classroom, the upperclassmen members had split into 2 teams and each one took on some of the interested freshmen for their gun control debate. As each side delivered their opening arguments and main points, more of the students looked engaged, their faces lighting up with a passion for the debate. 

As the advisor cued Team 1 for their rebuttals, the room heard a firework-like noise, heads turning towards the door as well as the courtyard windows in the center of the academic tower. But in a few moments, the room returns to its heated exchange, going with the presumption that it was the summer, so nothing would happen.

 But in midst of this, they ignore the continual pops, not realizing what was going on until it was too late.

Terrence's POV:

As Kim and I answer the questions posed to us by the students, we hear the familiar pops and glance at each other before knowing that it couldn't just be a coincidence. And just like that, our bright day has been shadowed by the cloud of violence.

I nod to Kim as she questions me with her eyes about our next actions, which could be the difference between a funeral photo or school picture for these kids. I look at them, many of whom look frightened and confused, the others looking at us for answers.

Stop reading at this point and resume when written.

"Kim, take the kids and lock yourselves into the interior offices with the other music teachers. If you start to hear closer fire, run through the exit and to the police station, across the street. Don't wait for me, regardless. Good luck." She opens her mouth as if to argue but decides against it, springing into action as I head out of the room, locking the door to give them more time.

At this point, the sounds of shots have grown in quantity and volume as I run towards the first classroom door I can find. Running in and locking the door behind me, I gestured for the students to hide behind the lecture hall seats, hoping that they were as strong as they looked.

One of the students told me in fractured words that the teacher had gone next door to call the main office as well as the police department. Nodding gratefully, I made sure everyone was behind the structure before sliding the metal covers in front, hopefully concealing the fact that 45 students were crushed together for their lives.

As I moved towards the next classroom, I heard the squeak of rubber soles coming closer. Running to the door and locking it before pushing the materials cart against it, I turned around and saw 30 frantic faces looking back at me. Seeing the metal and wood closets, I herded the children and teachers into the space before giving the following instructions, just as I was barricading them inside,

"No matter what, do not come out here until law enforcement gets here. Regardless of what you hear." Pushing the doors closed, I forced a projector adjustor rod through the sturdy handles and ran in front of the desk, which was conveniently in front of the closets, as I heard gunshots outside of the door.

After what seemed like 4 quick shots, the lock broke and the gunman entered. He was dressed in bulletproof materials, the vest similar to law enforcement grade. As he takes a moment to reload, I seize the opportunity,

"If you want to kill these kids, you are going to have to shoot me first." He raises his gun and a sinister smile appears as if he would enjoy this. But he wasn't getting rid of me from this world that easily.