Part I
Fate
I was a happy 18 year old girl; The one person that I wanted to meet and looked up to in life was L, the silent symbol of justice; I had a handful of close friends, my driver's license, and a great job. I lived in the small town of Gettysburg Pennsylvania, so I had peace as well.
But, everything changed when my parents left for a business trip in New York City on September 10th. They didn't say where they were going, only that it was an emergency and they'd be home the night of the 13th. On Tuesday the 11th, I was sitting in my 2nd period class around 8:45 taking notes. Suddenly, a message came over the intercom that our school was on lock down. My best friend beside me, Sharon, turned to me as whispers filled the room. "I wonder what happened," she murmured almost to herself.
"I'ono," I replied absentmindedly and watched the teacher as he turned the TV on.
A man on the news began to tell the story. "Just moments ago, at 8:45, a passenger jet from Boston, Massachusetts crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center. The aircraft has left a large hole in the tower… and both are now aflame!"
A live image was shown of the inferno that was now the plane and tower. "Kita, aren't your parents in New York City on a business trip?" Sharon looked nervous.
"Y-yeah, but they didn't say where they were going…" I paused as her question, and reality, sank in. of course they would be there… my parents were in charge of trade negotiations with Japan.
I turned to speak to Sharon again… "Matsuyama! Quiet back there!" Clearly the teacher was anxious as well, but I was too nauseated to care.
I laid my head down on my desk and closed my eyes in an attempt to calm down. Then, I cautiously peeked at the TV and watched the news chopper hover near the scene…
I awoke to Sharon shaking me. "Kita, look!" Her frantic whisper was enough to awaken me.
"It would seem that another aircraft has collided with the south tower…wait… it looks as if the plane has exploded! And the towers are collapsing!" I stood up from my chair and left the classroom as the sirens on the television rose to a horrific wail.
End Part I