The lights flickered and then went off, then the sirens began their annoying, wailing screech. I clung to the legs of my desk, scarlet red ink dripped down the face of the whiteboard creating a puddle on the floor. Freshly watered plants lay in a pile of rocks along with remains of the neighbouring violin school. The shaking stopped long enough for the entire school to evacuate and assemble a block away at the park. Tears streamed down the face of children and many were clutching handmade cushions. All watched in terror as our beloved school toppled to the ground.