Rodriguez has the pupils describe their weekends in their journal. Maria had just gotten into her writing pulse when an unexpected announcement came over the loudspeaker. The office lady, Mrs. Parkerson, clearly stated, “All students and staff must immediately remove themselves from the area. Please head to the bus garage across the parking lot. I repeat, ALL students and staff must evacuate the building IMMEDIATELY. Quickly and quietly head to the bus garage. Thank you!” Mr. Rodriguez instantly turns pale. The class gradually stands up, and rushes toward the door. We scramble through the door, pushing and shoving each other trying to reach the bus garages. The blast of bitter air hits me as I start barge through the main exit. Rumors are spreading about what is happening, or what will happen to us. Are the bus garages really the safest place we could go? I ponder.
The run that should normally last only three minutes, lasts about five. The mob of students and staff is like a school of fish. It was hopeless, Maria would be one of the last one’s to make it to the garages. Screams fill the atmosphere around her. People are tripping and falling over each other. The garages are only 50 yards away. “Maria! Maria!” Someone shouts from what appears to be the rear of the crowd. “Maria! Wait up!” The cry comes again. I need to get to the garages, I don’t have time to stop. She