Author's Note:
The market was bustling with animals from all over. My mother came here on occasion to get fruit, furniture, and other various things. Of course we weren't as wealthy as some of the animals here, so it was awhile before she found a deal cheap enough for us to afford, but Mother told me never to be happy or sad because of money. We should be happy no matter what, and we can be if we have the right people with us.
"Now Katie," my mother said looking down at me, "Don't you let go of my paw. Imagine how sad mommy would be if she lost her baby."
"Yes mommy." I replied. I was just a small girl, new to the world. I was probably a little over 2 years old. It was my birthday, July 10th, and my mother has promised me this trip to the market. I was deeply fascinated by the city. Of course it might be because I had never been out of my hometown, Clearwater, before.
"Oi," we heard from behind us, "Kaitlin, you're tuna has arrived! Just got the package now!"
We turned to look behind us. It was a very masculine gorilla, running through the crowds trying to catch up with us. When he finally reached us, he was bent over gasping for breath, but quickly stood back up and handed my mother our package of tuna.
"Oh Al," my mother replied sweetly," You are so dear. Thank you much! I have not seen you in ages, it seems! How are you?"
"I've been doing just fine," he smiled," Now who's this little sweetie?" He bent now to be level with me. His breath strongly smelled of meat, of which type I do not recognize.
"This is my sweet little baby, Katie." She replied, looking down at me with gleaming eyes.
He stood back up again to talk to my mother, but not before giving me a quick pat on the head. They talked mostly about money and the economy. I quickly lost interest and was looking around the market, seeing what I could spot out, when I caught sight of bright pink balloon. It was tied to a notice board bulletin where people could put their numbers and addresses.
I looked up at my mom to see that she was still in deep conversation with Al. If I let go of her paw for just one second I could run quick and get the balloon and come right back. She wouldn't ever notice. I went over my plan in my head for about 1 minute before I decided to take action.
I ripped my paw out of hers. I darted in and out of the crowds of people, just wanting that balloon.
"Katie, No!" my mother shouted from behind me, but I was going too fast to turn around and tell her. My little legs were running as fast as they could carry me.
I had reached the balloon. It was tied in a very complicated knot, but I was too young to realize I could not untie it. Just as I was about to start untying, I heard a boom from behind me. I turned to look.
It was a terrible sight. The market was up in flames and animals were frantically running from the spot of the bomb. There was an airplane above that caught my attention, so I started watching it. It was beautiful! I loved it so much!
"Mommy, look at that pretty airplane." I said in awe. I looked back ahead of me. I was too little to know what was going on. I thought it was merely a game of tag. I heard screams of fright and pain, and I began to become scared. I did what a girl my age could only do in a time like this. Cry.
"Mommy, where are you?" I said through sobs. Just then I was lifted into the air. I was in the paws of someone unfamiliar. They were pink and white as far as I could tell since they were covered in dirt and ash. We were running towards the gate to leave the market. I put my head in the persons shoulder, not wanting to see the turmoil of the whole event. I had a feeling I would never see Mommy again.
I dared myself to look up again, only to see the body of an alligator covered in blood, his body broken. His eyes were wide open, staring at me.
I woke up screaming and crying. I quickly shut myself up, not wanting to wake Mom up. It was that dream again. I had been having it over and over again for about 2 months now.
"It's only a dream Katie." I whispered to myself. Deep down though, I knew this was not a dream. It was an answer. An answer to a whole boatload of questions.