It was June, 1929, when the airship crashed.
Mother and Father thought it would be a nice summer vacation trip to try out the newest luxury airship that was headed to India. I was pulled out of school early, much to the envy of my eight year old classmates. I was told I could come back later to finish up the schoolwork I would miss, and do the tests over summer vacation. I didn't mind at all, since this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. The drive home was unbearably long, as I was very anxious and excited to go.
"Jennifer, please stop squirming in your seat," Mother turned her head slightly to look back at me.
My leg stopped bouncing, "I'm sorry, Mother, it's just so exciting!"
Father laughed, "Cut her some slack, dear, it is something that not everyone will get to experience."
Even with the light heartedness in his voice, Mother seemed uneasy. The rest of the ride home, she stayed silent, only Father and I spoke about the airship, with much excitement.
My room at home was fairly small, but it was always tidy and organized, which gave it the illusion of having more space. My thoughts created images of how much bigger the airship would be and how it would look. No doubt it would be lavish and luxurious.
I set my suitcase on the bed, a king-size mattress with a curtain hanging from the ceiling. Only the fanciest clothes would go with me. Fortunately for me, Mother bought me many beautiful dresses over the years, for all of the events that we had attended. I usually only wore each dress once per purchase. I thought it a waste at the time, but now I was glad I had so many.
Sitting on my pillows at the head of my bed was my oldest friend. My stuffed dog from childhood, Brown. He had been a gift from my grandfather, before I was born. Mother said that when she was about six months pregnant with me, my grandfather purchased the dog at a new store in town.
"I wonder if she'll like it," he wondered as my mother held it on her stomach. According to them, she felt a kick. A sure sign that it was meant to be.
When I was born, I fell in love with it, and when I could speak, I named it Brown.
"What's his name, Jennifer?" Mother tried encouraging me to talk as much as she could, "What's your doggie's name?"
"Bown," I gurgled and hugged him tightly.
"Brown?"
"Bown!" I concured. We had been inseparable ever since.
It was a hard decision whether to take him on the airship or not. On one hand, I wanted him to experience the airship with me, but on the other hand, I didn't want something bad to happen to him.
I decided against it.
"I'm sorry, Brown," I apologized, patting him on the head, "but I don't want anything to happen to you. I'll tell you all about it when we get home though!"
Everything necessary was packed now: clothes, shoes, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, and a few books for me to practice reading.
Mother called me to the car, ready to leave.
"Goodbye, Brown! I'll see you soon!"
His dark eyes just watched as I left, but they seemed somehow sad.