Icella looked at the ash-filled sky. The sun was hot on her face and tears rolled down her cheeks. Leo clutched his sister's waist, head hidden in Icella's shirt. They had just witnessed the 9/11 attack!
Icella shook her head, clearing her thoughts. With her eyes closed, she sighed.
Opening them, she found herself back in her bedroom. Her younger brother, Leo stood in the doorway, in his Cars pajamas and sleep filled eyes.
Yawning, he spoke. "You had a bad dweam again? You were screaming."
Icella cringed. Third time this week! she thought angrily.
Blinking, she replied, "No, I'm fine. Did I wake you?"
Leo shook his head. "No, I was awake."
"Couldn't sleep?" Icella guessed.
Nodding, Leo climbed into his sister's bed. Icella helped him into the covers and she scooted closer to him.
Hugging him, she whispered into Leo's ear. "It's going to be okay."
As Leo drifted off to sleep, Icella wished the words were true.