9/11/01

9/11/01

I didn't understand what was going on at first. Everything was so hectic; I was unsure whether my world was just about to go up in flames and everything I lived for was going to end. Today was the day that my country was attacking.

I wasn't there physically but emotionally… I was everywhere. I was in seventh grade when this happened, sitting in class; probably thinking about lunch or what I was doing after school.

But all of that ended when an announcement came on…

--Flashback--

"Teachers and staff, an announcement has been made nationally that we have been hit three times by terrorist acts. Please turn on your TVs so that you will be in the know." The monotone voice stated from the intercom. This was not the news I was hoping for, no one was. I was hoping someone was getting called down or that we were having a drill; not this. But it was happening and all I could do was sit there in shock as my teacher went and turned on the TV, like he was told.

The first thing I saw was this huge building that was on fire, dark, black smoke rising against our blue sky. I watched as people on the bottom fled as fast as they could… and how people on the top of the building… jumped. The heat must have been too much for them and they decided to end it in glory. Some jumped alone and some were holding hands. That's when I started to cry.

The second plane hit the Pentagon and I watched as everything happened again and again. It was too hard to watch but I couldn't stop. These images wouldn't go away even if I stopped watching. They were forever embedded in my memory and always will be until I die.

The fire fighters came and everything was supposed to be okay. They entered the building, started bringing people out, and getting them the care they needed. It looked like there would be casualties but we could deal with it; we would keep going.

My hope deflated when the buildings collapsed down on top of the citizens and the fire fighters. That made me freeze and I watched in horror as it fell down, in slow motion it seemed, and killed even more people, inside and out.

And I started to ball out crying, but I wasn't alone; I had people I loved and I held the hand of my best friend, Hotaru, and the other hand was holding my biggest enemy, Natsume.

The last thing I remembered was that Hotaru asked me, "Why are you crying, idiot?"

And I responded, "That's my country; that's my country." I fell against my chair and started sobbing. Natsume held me and comforted me while comforting himself. I'm not sure if he cried but I was pretty sure Hotaru was.

Natsume told me that everything would be okay; that we, as a nation. I believed him but I couldn't overcome this great sadness that enveloped me and sealed me in darkness.

How could this have happened?

--End Flashback--

Everything changed and we survived. No one will ever be able to heal that part of their heart. A scar will always be there, but we healed and that's all that matters, right?

--

Hey guys,

I know that I told you guys I was taking a break but I had to do something for today. It seriously changed my life and I will never forget. I hope none of you forget either. You may not be from America but feel our pain and know what we can deal with! Everyone who died that day will be remembered; they didn't die for nothing; I promise you!

I know most people don't like Americans but that's okay because this is something important to me and you don't have to review! He-he. I'm happy as long as you just read it and possiblely understand. That's all.

On a lighter note, you should listen to where were you by Alan Jackson. It is a song about 9/11 and expresses how Americans reacted when this happened. Could you relate? Also, don't get you're hopes yet, my month isn't over… yet! If I have time I'll work on chapters but next week I have three meets! Yikes! Hehe. Love y'all!

Brittney