Okay, people, I know that this is just an author's note, but I just want to say something before I get on with the story-

I didn't lose anyone in 9/11 personally, but my father was about 2 blocks away from the towers. It was the scariest thing for 4th-grader-me. Even last night, when my twin sister was crying for my dad to not go to work again, he said that no one will ever let that happen. "Never again," he said, "Never again." And I believe him- NEVER FORGET, NEVER AGAIN!

If anyone here lost someone today 8 years ago, then I- and along with the rest of the CSI:NY Fanfic writers, I'm sure- are deeply sorry for your loss.

Okay, on with the story.

-kana.

Disclaimer- don't own CSI:NY or the song.

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Claire Conrad-Taylor

I looked down from the heavens to find my husband just waking up. He got up and got dressed without saying a word. I cried silently from above-

Today is September 11th, 2009- a full 8 years after my death in the World Trade Centers. For the last 8 years, he's gotten through this day. This time, with a little help.

I flash-forward to him entering the NYPD CSI precinct. He heads into his office, stone-faced as always. Just then, as if on cue, a young woman with green eyes and curly hair enters his office and closes the door. They look at each other. Mac starts to cry.

"Stella…" he starts. "Why did she have to die? Why did she have to leave me like this???" Inside, my heart is breaking.

Stella continues to hold a sobbing Mac tightly, not letting go of him for a second. She knows just as well as he does what this say is for him. She's done this for him on the same day for the last 8 years.

"Mac, look at me." after a second, he does. Stella continues. "You know that she didn't want to leave you- she loved you more then words could express. She's watching over you right now- you never leave her sight." I smile- Stella was always one of Mac's best friends. Stella continues, "She's up I heaven, smiling more then likely." the smile grows bigger. She knows me too well.

"Stella… I don't know how I can go on without her." Mac states, quietly sobbing still.

"Like we have been doing for the last 8 years- one step at a time, Mac." She hugs him closer. He finally stops sobbing. "One step at a time."

I looked down at the two- one being strong, the other mourning. I knew that their strength lies in each other, and that as long as they have each other, nothing could go wrong. I suppose that's what everyone in America has this day- someone to hug them when they are mourning the loss of someone. That's the way we all "raise up" today- mourning, kindness, and love.

9/11- Never Forget. Never Again.

"You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;When troubles come and my heart burdened be;Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;You raise me up? To more than I can be.

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Never forget. Never Again. If this touched you in any way, please review. Thank you.