Everyone moved in fast motions. Doctors and nurses came and went about me. I sat down heavily on a waiting chair of the hospital. The bright lights above my head caused me to hunch my shoulders to keep my eyes away. I stared at the white floor with my mind chasing in a maniacal speed, replaying the scenes over and over again. Mom was already inside the emergency room with other nurses and — Alyssa.

The Headmistress and Cammie were trying to contact Alyssa's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Schell. And the only person who stayed with me was Octavia. She had rushed back to the school after my call and...