The first day of the spring semester at Opportunity High School is gripped by tragedy. Tyler, a school dropout, has just been re-admitted in the school. However, this time round, he has sinister motives. After the school Principal has concluded his speech in the auditorium, Tyler enters flourishing a gun. He kills the principal instantly. Tyler is angry because he feels the community has made his family turn against him. He has a sister called autumn. Autumn is having an affair with Sylvia. However, Tyler hates Sylvia because he believes she has taught her sister bad behavior. Tyler has assaulted her sexually as a punishment.
Autumn pleads with her brother to stop killing innocent students but in vain. Finally, Tyler shoots and kills himself after wounding his sister in the knee. Tyler has not been the same since the death of his mother in a car crash. His relationship with Autumn deteriorated after he assaulted Sylvia. During the same day, he was left by his then-girlfriend, Claire. The following day, Tyler was pinned against a locker by Tomas. All these events made him drop out of school. During the mass shooting, Tyler describes how the community has abandoned him. He also believes his family and friends have turned against him due to the incitement initiated by the community.
The tragic incident shows Tyler’s experience with anguish and alienation. As a consequence, he becomes desperate and depressed. He believes that the whole community has betrayed him. Despite his sister assuring him of her love towards him, he goes ahead and shoots her accusing her of preferring dance to her. He kills students whom he believes caused his misfortunes. The tale provides insight into how young people should be helped when experiencing grief.
