Hide and Seek Sirens

Friday I thought it would be fun to take Timmy to a play area in our local mall. Every time we have visited he has had a fantastic time, and Friday was no exception. As soon as we arrived he ditched his shoes, and his mom, and took off running with new buddies. Every once in awhile he stopped by to say hello and to have a sip of water, but other than that he was happy running and playing with his new playmates.

After we were there for nearly three hours the entire facility went dark. Within a few seconds emergency strobe lights started flashing, accompanied by an announcement telling everybody to shelter in place. My heart jumped as I joined the hoards of other parents frantically searching for their children in the enormous climbing structure.  

It felt like forever before I found Timmy walking out of a trampoline. I immediately scooped him up and began to scan the facility for a clue as to what we were supposed to be doing. I saw parents being turned away from the exits and overheard commands to hide. Not knowing where to go, I directed Timmy to climb up a red tube slide. Let me assure you, a plump one legged woman can still book it up a slide when necessary!

We stayed in the center of the slide for about five minutes, trying to remain as quiet and as still as possible. Timmy was confused as to why we were suddenly playing hide and seek, but I think he sensed the urgency of my directives because he obliged without argument. Finally the warning siren quieted and we were told that it was safe to evacuate.  

It turns out that there was a "domestic incident" at the other end of the mall involving a weapon, and the entire building was put on lock down and shelter in place as a precaution. Not knowing what was going on, my mind was flooding with recollections of mass shootings and worst case scenarios. Timmy and I were escorted into the parking lot by the police and we headed home.

Hiding in the slide with Timmy were some of the most frightening minutes of my life. Timmy was scared and spent most of Friday night reenacting the incident, which I think was his way of trying to process the events.I have a feeling it will be quite a long time before either of us wants to go back to that playground!