Clay walked through the streets of New York. He hadn't found Omi, or the Wu, and luckily any of the Heylin. He didn't really have a plan, other than hoping for the best. Dojo was still busy hyperventilating on his head, worried what Master Fung would say when they came home with no Omi. Clay had tuned him out a while ago, hoping that his hat talking didn't attract too much unwanted attention. Clay then turned down a street, and walked a little ways then froze.
He remembered that day, what he was doing, or rather what he was going to do. He was only eight at the time, and he was getting ready to go see his Daddy, out on the ranch, until he came downstairs to see him in front of the television. His mom had tears in her eyes, well his dad showed a look of deep sorrow. When he turned his attention to the TV set, the second plane had crashed.
Clay fought back some tears, as he stared at ground zero. He had lost an uncle that day. He was going to visit his daughter.
"Clay, are you okay." A concerned Dojo asked from under his hat. Even though Dojo was in China, the whole world heard about the twin toweres. Dojo's stomach dropped as he peered out of Clay's hat, tons of people stood at the memorial. Some crying others wearing somber looks.
Clay never responded to Dojo's question, but joined the other people standing in front of the memorial. He didn't know how long he had stayed there, but he wasn't able to tear his mind away from that fateful day, the look on his parents faces, the broadcast of that day, his own reaction when he found out his uncle was on one of those planes.
That was the day the world stopped turning, for him, and countless Americans.
A song then slowly seeped through the crowd of people, some even sang along.
"Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)" Alan JacksonWhere were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?Were you in the yard with your wife and childrenOr working on some stage in L.A.?Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smokeRisin' against that blue sky?Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighborOr did you just sit down and cry?Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved onesAnd pray for the ones who don't know?Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubbleAnd sob for the ones left below?Did you burst out in pride for the red, white and blueAnd the heroes who died just doin' what they do?Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answerAnd look at yourself and what really matters?[Chorus:]I'm just a singer of simple songsI'm not a real political manI watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you the difference in Iraq and IranBut I know Jesus and I talk to GodAnd I remember this from when I was youngFaith, hope and love are some good things He gave usAnd the greatest is loveWhere were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?Were you teaching a class full of innocent childrenOr driving down some cold interstate?Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivorIn a crowded room did you feel alone?Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her?Did you dust off that Bible at home?Did you open your eyes, hope it never happenedClose your eyes and not go to sleep?Did you notice the sunset the first time in agesOr speak to some stranger on the street?Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrowOr go out and buy you a gun?Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin'And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns?Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangersDid you stand in line and give your own blood?Did you just stay home and cling tight to your familyThank God you had somebody to love?[Repeat Chorus 2x]And the greatest is the greatest is were you when the world stopped turning that September day?
Remember…. 9/11, and the people that lost their lives, and those fighting for us still today.