We all waited in nervous anticipation. We had a very vague idea of what was to come; all previous senior classes were sworn to secrecy. We all waited at our tables, not ready for what was to take place. We sat, gossiped, questioned and fretted about the next activity.
I was already dark outside. Since we were not allowed the luxury of phones or any other means of communication, we also were not informed of the time. It was as if time did not exist.
We were told to sit in a circle, typical 'retreat' style. But then came something we did not expect. No, we did not expect this in a million years. Instead of having someone else tell their story about how traumatic their life was, we were asked a question. A question that delved deeper into places inside ourselves we did not want to explore, places that we wished to forget. A question so powerful that we were asked to splay ourselves for all to see, and let them do with that information whatever they wished. The brave that told their story gave about 30 other high schoolers the power to destroy them, but trusted them not to.
"When have you felt most alone?"
It was with that question that the stories started to flow.