A High Schooler’s Reaction

A High Schooler’s Reaction

By Parras Dumlao

As I walk down to my dorm I hear the
BANG! of
Crates hitting concrete and I think:
Down! Because I’m so used to high school, when
Every chip bag pop was a sign
For us to
GET DOWN! GET DOWN! GET DOWN!
Hell, if I got any lower I’d be six feet in the grave.
I don’t remember a time when I was more afraid:
Jaun, Eli, and I barricaded the door waiting for a
Killer to try to break it, and for once in my
Life I was silent,
Mute,
No sound
Or else I think I’d scream.
Poor Elijah was praying
Quiet as the field mouse
Ready to be
Slaughtered.
Thank God it was a false alarm.
Uneasy and
Vulnerable, trying my best to keep my
Xenial,
Yearning for any other sound, I walk back to my dorm
Zombie-like and silent.