Prologue

*Kiera*

The morning starts like any other. I’m in my classroom, the bright colors of construction paper and crayon drawings bringing life to the walls. The laughter of my kindergarteners fills the air. I love these kids. They are my reason for waking up each day, for pouring my heart into every lesson. Being a teacher is what I always wanted to be.

“Miss Kiera! Look at my drawing.” Ella shouts, her tiny fingers proudly holding up a scribbled masterpiece.

“That’s amazing, Ella. You’ve captured the sun beautifully.” I say, smiling wide. The room buzzes with excitement as the children share their creations. I can’t help but feel grateful, like I’m living my dream.

But then, the joy is shattered. A loud bang echoes through the hallways, a noise that doesn’t belong in our little world of crayons and giggles. My heart instantly races, as I pause, my throat tightening.

“Stay here, kids!” I shout, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’ll be right back.”

I step into the hallway, my senses heightened, hoping what I heard was not what I think it was. The laughter has turned to silence, an eerie calm that sends chills down my spine. I peer around the corner, anxiety gripping me. Then I see it… a door flung open at the end of the hall, shadows moving quickly, students fleeing in panick. My stomach drops.

“Lock the doors” I yell down the hallway, hoping the other classes hear me, urgency coursing through me. I rush back inside, panic rising as I lock our door. “Everyone, under the tables! Now!”

The kids scramble, their little feet pattering against the floor. I guide them quickly, my heart pounding. “You’re safe here. Just stay quiet.” I kneel down, looking into their wide, frightened eyes. “We’re going to stay together, okay? I’m right here with you.”

Just then, another loud bang echoes, this time closer. The sound of shouting follows, and my heart races faster. I can’t let the kids see how scared I am. I have to be strong for them.

“Miss Kiera? What’s happening?” Sam asks, his voice trembling.

“Just a drill, sweetie,” I lie, forcing a smile. “We’re practicing being quiet and safe. Just like the other times, remember?”

But deep down, I think they know this is no drill. I can feel the tension in the air, a couple of kids are crying. I glance at the door, my instincts screaming to keep them safe.

Then, the door handle rattles violently. My breath catches. I quickly rise and move to stand between the door and the kids. I can’t let this person come in. I can’t let anything happen to my kids.

“Stay down!” I whisper fiercely, my eyes locked on the door. The doorknob twists, and I brace myself, I know these doors are old and the locks too, they will not stop someone who wants to get inside..

Just as I feared the door bursts open, and there he stands… dark clothes, a mask, and a weapon in hand. Time slows as I feel my heart drop. My mind races as I realize I’m the only thing standing between him and my kids.

“Get back!” I yell, my voice echoing in the silence. I step forward, feeling the weight of every moment. “You don’t want to do this!”

He hesitates, surprise flickering through his eyes. I know I have only a split second to act, and I can’t back down.

“Please, just leave!” I plead, my heart pounding in my chest. “These are just little children. They’re innocent.”

He takes a step closer, eyes narrowing. My heart feels like it is about to burst, and I know I have to protect them no matter what. I rush forward i stead of pulling back as he seems to expect, adrenaline fueling my every move, I push him back when my body colliding with his.

The gun goes off, a deafening bang that shatters the silence, followed by kids screaming. Pain explodes in my side, but I don’t stop. I can’t. I shove him again, using every ounce of strength I have. He stumbles back, and I take the chance to grab the weapon, twisting it from his grasp.

“Get away from my kids!” I yell, adrenaline coursing through me as I wrestle him to the ground, slamming his head into the floor, over and over. I hear the faint cries of my students behind me, their fear palpable.

With a final surge, I manage to pin him down, my breath coming in ragged gasps. I can feel the warmth of blood trickling down my side, but I don’t care. All that matters is keeping my kids safe.

“Someone get the police!” I shout, my voice hoarse and almost foreign sounding. I hold him down, adrenaline still pumping through my veins.

Finally, I hear sirens outside, of course the police was called as soon as someone realised. Relief washes over me, but my body starts to tremble as the realization of what just happened sinks in.

I saved them. I saved my kids. But at what cost?

As the police rush in, I feel myself start to sway. I can hear the worried voices of my students calling my name, but everything begins to blur. I fight to stay awake, I have to make sure he doesn’t get up.

But as darkness edges in, I am pulled away, someone asking me something I can’t hear. Then nothing.