Parkland Shooting: A Painful Scar

February 14, 2018: a date that will haunt the residents of Parkland, Florida forever. It had all happened so suddenly that no one had time to fathom the news. 17 dead. 14 injured. The rest of the students left with a deep emotional wound that no amount of condolences or money could heal. The Parkland shooting wasn’t a hate crime or another casual Wednesday pastime. It was quite simply a merciless act spurred by a past devoid of mercy. Claims that the shooter had been bullied in his school years arose. Regardless, a heinous crime was committed and nothing but repressed fury drove the boy to stand in the halls of Stoneman Douglas High with gun in hand and intent in mind. If only a flicker of mercy had crossed his heart. If only his tormentors hadn’t called him those names. If only someone had taught him the true meaning of compassion with gentle words and a firm hand on his shoulder. If only the shooting hadn’t happened and the victims were stressing about their upcoming test and laughing with their friends over some corny joke. If only the shooter hadn’t pointed the rifle at the innocent boy before him with an empty, unforgiving look in his eyes.