WINDER, Ga. — Dozens of students returned to Apalachee High School on Monday to get the belongings they left behind during the rush to safely escape during last week's deadly school shooting.
There is no date set for classes to resume there.
With their parents' permission, 11Alive spoke to students about their feelings about coming back.
Zoe Gray, an 11th grader, said it was a combination of trauma and healing. She said when she found the spot where she hid from the shooter, she burst into tears. Zoe Gray is not related to the alleged shooter, Colt Gray.
"I was looking where I was laying, and it was just emotional again because that could have been me. I was so close," Zoe said.
Melody Montee, a 9th-grade student, said it felt weird and different but not bad.
"I left my phone because I kind of got scared when they're banging on the doors, dropped it," Melody said.
Students carried out instruments, clothes, and bookbags that had remained on campus for days.
Zoe said the same teachers that protected her were there to support her.
"He (her teacher) was actually holding me and comforting me the entire time," Zoe said.
The support extended beyond the classrooms: moms handed out hugs in the parking lot, chaplains passed out prayers, and many students spent a moment at the growing memorial to mourn.
"My mom asked for, like, a long-term therapist from the school," Melody said. "Think I'm going to do that."
The things students left with were a constant reminder of what once was. Their hearts continue to grow with gratitude and empathy through a pain only they can understand.
"I think everybody needs to pray for the person who did this because as much as you want to hate him, as much gosh-awful thing he's done, the lives he took away from the families, I can't imagine what he was going through to make him do these things," Zoe said.