Rising Action

Rising action in a story is a series of relevant incidents that create suspense, interest, and tension in a narrative. In this story the rising tension could be the whole event of the school shooting including Nick, and the deaths of the students. But, you can also use the events of her going back to school and seeing everyone after the aftermath. This can be seen as the rising action as well because it creates the beginning of suspense between all of the characters and their reactions towards Valerie. For example, seeing the reactions of the father and seeing how he treats Valerie and her mother. Then seeing the effects of his behavior towards them and how it adds to the story.