Not far from Mr. Xiao
The other side of the lounge told a different story.
Students and staff had gathered in a loose cluster around Dean Sanchez, their composure slipping faster than the group Mr. Xiao had just addressed.
The Dean stood near one of the support columns, his back partially to it, as if grounding himself against something solid while the questions came in waves, his authority nowhere in sight.
They didn't wait for answers.
They stacked over each other.
"What do you mean we can't leave—!? There has to be a way out!"
"My brother's still outside, I saw him on the feed—what are you doing to get them in!?"
"Is help actually coming or are we just sitting here waiting to die!?"
A staff member stepped forward, voice strained, trying to push through the noise and help the dean.
"The emergency lines aren't connecting—Dean, we need to know if the city's been locked down—"
Another student cut in, voice cracking.
