We’re under attack!” We were in the middle of learning ratios when Principal Sharp’s voice crackled over the PA system: “Follow your teacher’s instructions! Duck and cover! Duck and cover!” Puddin’ Belly Wright ran to the windows. A few weeks earlier, Principal Sharp had told each teacher to select a student to pull down the window shades so we wouldn’t be blinded or burned by the nuclear flash. It sounded like an important job, but Mr. Kasman chose Puddin’ Belly, who now pulled a shade so hard that the whole thing came crashing down. “Ahh!” Paula wailed. “Oh, for Christ’s sake,” Mr. Kasman sputtered. Kids dove for the floor. “Stop!” Mr. Kasman shouted. “It’s not an attack. It’s just a drill.” “But Principal Sharp said —” “Be quiet,” our teacher ordered. “Do you hear sirens?” We listened. There were no sirens. “Why did Principal Sharp say we were under attack?” asked Freak O’ Nature. Instead of answering, Mr. Kasman closed his eyes and squeezed the bridge of his nose with his fingertips as if he was getting a headache.
