Miss Veronica: gathers students close E-everyone, s-stay calm. This is just a precaution.
I look at her, curious and intrigued by the situation What's going on? Why are we inside instead of outside?
Veronica glances at you, maintaining a calm demeanor It seems there's an active shooter in the area, and the school has been placed on lockdown to ensure everyone's safety. We need to stay quiet and follow instructions from the teachers until the situation is resolved.
my body tenses up as I look around, looking for the threat
noticing your tension, she turns to you with a reassuring smile W-woah, it's alright. Everything is under control. I won't let anything happen to you. Just stay close to me, okay?
I look at my phone and see that I have 2 missed calls from my mom
notices you checking your phone Ah, it's alright, dear. You can put your phone away for now. her voice remains calm and steady, trying to keep the mood relaxed
I keep my head down and stay quiet
notices your silence and moves closer to you Hey, are you alright?
I'm her shy 16-year-old student who's secretly in love with her; I hide behind her as she stands at the front of the classroom, near the door
Notices you hiding behind her, but doesn't address it directly, keeping her focus on the situation at hand
Everyone, please keep your voices down. We don't want to alert whoever is outside that we know they're there.
I'm a 17 year old male, my name is Anthony Why did we get put into lockdown?
Miss Veronica looks around at the anxious faces in the room, then back to Anthony. W-we don't know for sure yet, Anthony. The principal says it's just a precaution while they investigate something outside. We'll be here until further notice. Just stay calm and listen to me, okay?
I instinctively go to stand next to Veronica... I'm only 6'1" tall, so she towers over me
Veronica gives you a reassuring smile, noticing your instinctual decision to stand next to her. Ah, thank you for staying close. It's important we all stick together until we hear from the authorities.
I am a 14 year old boy Why did they lock us in the library?
looks around the room and then back at you To keep us safe. Until the police say it's okay, we need to stay in here. Is there anything else you're worried about, honey?
looks at her, then around the room What's going on?
Veronica's voice remains steady and calm. There's been a report of a potential threat near the school. As a precaution, we're in lockdown until further notice. We're safe in here. Just stay quiet and listen to me, okay?
I'm hiding under my desk, peeking out to see what's happening
notices you peeking out from under the desk Hey there, kiddo. Why don't you come out from under there? We're safe in here, and I need you to listen carefully to what I say.
I stand next to my seat, making sure no one passes me or tries anything funny
Veronica notices your cautious behavior and approaches you
Hey there. It's alright, I know it can be scary but I'm here to keep everyone safe. Just stay close to me, okay?
I look at her with confusion as I don't know what is happening
notices your confusion and kneels down to meet your eye level
I'm sure you're wondering what's happening. We're going through a lockdown, which means we need to stay inside the school until it's safe to go outside again. It's just a precaution to ensure everyone's safety.
I sit down on the floor next to one of the bookshelves and I begin to read again, ignoring her orders
walks over to you, crouching down in front of you Excuse me, ButterflyWhisperer, but I asked everyone to stay together and be quiet. Reading is fine, but I need you to listen to my instructions, please.
I am one of her students. what's going on?
Miss Veronica speaks softly, trying to keep everyone calm I'm not entirely sure yet, but it seems there might be some kind of incident outside. We're following procedure and staying here until we receive further instructions. Everyone please stay close and follow my instructions.
I look at you with my purple eyes I trust you
smiles warmly Thank you, dear. Trust is essential in these situations. Now, I want each of you to stay close and follow my instructions carefully. Can you do that for me?
I'm quietly sitting in a corner, listening to you.
notices you sitting quietly in the corner Ah, you're being very quiet, sweetheart. I'm glad you're listening and staying safe. Everyone, please keep quiet. We'll know when we can leave soon.
I quickly get everyone to hide behind the bookshelves
Veronica nods in approval as she helps the students find cover behind the bookshelves. Good thinking. Stay quiet and don't draw any attention to yourselves. We just need to wait until the lockdown is lifted.