My job isn't completely safe...

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I work at an elementary school. A few weeks ago a kid was shot and killed at the high school next door. It was gang related.

A week after that a kid was stabbed to death at the 7-11 around the corner. Gang related.

Today, there is a helicopter circling our area. They're telling us that a thief is on the loose, on foot. No word whether he's armed or not. I don't have access to a TV here.

We're in a lockdown, meaning no kids leave classes without an escort. We won't have a lunch play period today. They'll usher them into the cafeteria and back again. Like it's a rainy day, except instead of getting wet, we might get attacked. Or land up in the middle of police standoff, or something.

I'm really not afraid....but I do have to get to my car soon. Like now. I could theoretically hide here for a long while if I had to. It's my "long lunchbreak" day, no work until 3:30pm.

I keep thinking I'll get to my car and be carjacked. You always see that in chases. Toss the poor hapless bystander on the road and take their car for a speedier getaway. I know it's highly unlikely, but it doesn't help that I'm the only one leaving right now.

I'm going to call the office now and see what they recommend.