Lockdown

This is a 'warning notice' from GO Transit,

a regional train and bus service in Toronto.

I got this notice Friday, as I'd not stamped my ticket.

I'd not stamped my ticket because I and 9 colleagues

had just spent three terrifying hours in a lockdown at my college.

It was Friday afternoon, and the campus was full of people.

I'm talking about creepy alarms, and recorded emergency messages.

Tons of cops with automatic weapons, and helicopters overhead.

I'm talking barricading classroom doors with tables, and thinking,

"I can't believe this is happening. I can't believe I'm doing this".

I'm thinking of the terror people in highschools and colleges

have felt when there's a gun incident.

This is something I felt yesterday.

Three hours locked in the dark, in silence.

Jumping out of my skin each time we heard a door open.

Or saw a shadow pass the barricaded door.

Wondering if 'this is it'.

Half past five we were led out of the college, and told to leave immediately.

I was numb.

I boarded the train, having forgotten to cancel my ticket.

Inspector 76 actually wanted to fine me. And take me off the train.

I tried to explain what had just happened to me.

Utter lack of empathy or any species of compassion.

I am taking this back to their company.

 

Done