January 29, 2022
Word: matter
"What should I do?" I thought, covering my mouth to prevent any sound from escaping.
Inside an enclosed space where light barely passed through tiny gaps, hiding from the eyes of the predator was cowardly ungrateful me. Inside the locker were a few cleaning equipment used by the caretaker such as mops and buckets. A single careless move would reveal my location. Why is this happening to us?
Heart-wrenching screams traveled through the hallway. Guilt seeped deep inside me as the nightmare continued. I'm disappointed in myself. How can I abandon them while I relish the moment of safety?
While covering my mouth with the right hand, the left hand fingered the thin fabric of the pants. Feeling the outside of the pocket was the outline of my smartphone. Moving my elbow to reach inside my pocket, I bumped the mop beside me, creating a ripple effect of sounds as It hit the metal wall. The throbbing of my heart became louder, afraid to be caught. I was too careless. I need to be careful.
Slowly reaching into my pocket, I successfully took the smartphone without unnecessary noise. The picture of my family appeared on the screen as I pressed the power button. Instead of opening the lock screen, I went to the emergency phone service dialing 110.
Putting the screen against my face, the phone vibrated as It rang. The floor shook as various footsteps ran past me followed by hectic screams warning the others to run away. Such courageous individuals. I wish I was brave like them.
Finally, someone picked up the line.
I tried my best to whisper under my breath saying, "Please send help to Panda Academy, there is aー"
A thud that shook the locker interrupted me. My knees shook as I struggled to stand up from the overwhelming fear. I slowly placed my face on the gaps, taking a peek outside. Before me was the outline of a panda mascot mask against the light. I did not make it in time.
"Hello, are you there sir?" the operator asked as the locker door creaked open.
I stumbled and fell on the ground, letting out a scream that I never thought I could produce. Death was upon me as the figure revealed itself. The bloodstained costume of the school mascot dragged a nailed baseball bat dripping in blood. And with a quick swing…
"Sir! Are you alright sir?"
… my life ended.