The flashing red and blue lights painted the school courtyard in a haze of chaos and relief. Police cars surrounded the building.
Officers moved in coordinated rhythm, cuffing the dazed students who had been under Basuta's control.
While Basuta himself, the once proud vice principal now looked pitiful, his wrists bound behind his back, his swollen face pressed against the hood of a patrol car as two policemen hauled him away.
Basuta mumbled weak curses, but his words were drowned out by the sound of radio chatter and sirens as the smell of dust and blood still hung in the air.
On the other side, Rei stood near the steps, trembling in her parents' arms, her father's white hair glimmered under the flashing lights as he held her tightly, his hands shaking.
Her mother stroked her hair again and again, whispering that everything would be fine now, causing Rei to finally broke down, tears soaking her mother's shoulder.
