Gaze Quote by Larry Doyle
““The temperature in the gym reached 125 degrees, qualifying anyone there to be served rare. "Could we," Dr. Henneman said, wafting her hands about, "open those back doors, let a little air in? Please?"… Miles Paterini and Pete Couvier ... pressed down on the metal bars. The doors didn't open. People actually gasped. Dennis began calculating the amount of oxygen left in the gymnasium. Dr. Henneman's doctorate in school administration had prepared her for this. "Is Mr. Wrona here?" Mr. Wrona, the school custodian, was not here. He was at home watching women's volleyball with the sound turned off and imagining the moment everyone realized the back doors were locked.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Gym Incident”, 2021
A heated environment creates panic, exposing how bureaucracy and distraction can worsen emergencies.
In simple terms: Heat causes panic and poor decisions.
Key Takeaway
Stay calm and prioritize safety.
Themes
crisis
authority
environment
Mood
tense
urgent
Type
dramatic
warning
When to use this quote
- school safety
- event planning
- fire drills
Key Concepts
panic
leadership
emergency response
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you do if doors were locked?
- How can you improve emergency protocols?
A Different Perspective
Authority may not act quickly in crises.
