@taylorswift got me through an active shooting today
Today, I never expected to barricade myself at work and race to hide in the dark as the words, “Lock the door. Active shooter inside the mall” was screamed at me. Rushing customers to take shelter and trying to find strength in this situation seemed like the hardest task in the world. Having to be escorted with my hands up had never crossed my mind. I’ve never been more terrified to live in this world and to live in my city of El Paso. A city should be safe. A place to shop after saving all those paychecks should be a safe place. A mall should be safe. A Walmart should be safe. The place you work should be safe. I went to work carefree and came home numb. I’m just so blessed to be home. I’m so emotional about my town being the 8th deadliest mass shooting in U.S history. As I was in the dark with terrified customers and emotional coworkers, I kept humming the words of my girl Taylor Swift and trying not to think of all the millions things that could go wrong. I didn’t know anything else. I never thought to think of anything else. I kept humming as I was typing messages to my loved ones with hands shaking as I typed every character. I have loved @taylorswift since 6th grade and now I’m a college graduate. Today, the songs of @taylorswift mean a bit more to me. They gave me comfort and relief during the highest moments of stress. They gave me an escape during the scariest situation. If I could hug her, I would. I just wanted to be fearless.
I love you and this fandom. @taylorswift and @taylornation
This new album is going to be extra special.
Love always and hug your loved ones,
Karina Nicole Monticone
