Parallel Lives

Chapter 5: Rescuing - Sabrina

   (This chapter will contain some triggering things like death and suicide so if you guys can't handle it, you can skip this chapter and I'll understand completely. If you stayed, I hope you will enjoy this)!

   I was still in shock after seeing the South Tower getting hit. I had now seen both planes strike the World Trade Center. The first time, I thought it was an accident. I thought something had happened to the pilot. I thought the pilot had no choice but to crash into the North Tower. However, after seeing the South Tower, I knew it was a direct attack. Chief was right. He had said it from the get-go but I didn't believe him. I was just in denial really.

   My battalion chief and other high ranking chiefs from other companies were all crowded around, trying to come up with plans. I stood there with them since Chief Peterson had wanted me to stay by his side at all times. "What do we do?" One battalion chief asked. "Shouldn't we try to send some units to the South Tower?" I suggested. "Great idea. That building needs a lot of help." Chief noted. "Yeah. The plane hit the lower floors. I can't figure out which ones, but they were way lower than this building." I added. "Alright. I'll see if my unit and I can go in that building." Another battalion chief spoke. My battalion chief nodded in agreement. "I'll stick around here. My unit already went up to certain floors so I'll stay here to help command." The first battalion chief announced. We all nodded in understanding. "Didn't you say to evacuate the South Tower?" I asked my Chief. "I did. But I don't know if they did." He answered, sadly.

   Chief Peterson and the other battalion chiefs began to command units on which tower to go to and what floors. As we were doing so, we heard loud, booming noises. It sounded like something heavy hitting the pavement, accompanied by the sounds of glass breaking. It took me a moment to realize what sound that was. I heard it a little earlier. Another sound confirmed exactly what I thought it was. It was people. People that were jumping to their deaths. Another sound interrupted my thoughts. I teared up, knowing that every time that that sound was heard, it was another life being lost. Jacob tried his hardest to cover my ears, but every time he tried, it was too late. I began to cry as two more loud thuds were heard. Everyone seemed stunned at those noises. I don't think they've ever heard those noises before. It was the worst thing I've ever heard.

   I didn't know what to do anymore. I felt useless and helpless. There were people up there suffering and jumping to their deaths. "How bad is it up there that the better alternative is to jump?" Jacob mumbled. "It's bad. It's really bad." I answered, wiping my tears. I knew there were people trapped in different rooms. They were stuck and were trapped in a room full of smoke and fire. They were either dying because of smoke inhalation or suffering because of it. Chief felt helpless, I could tell. He gazed in my direction and we both had the same expression of sadness. He quickly grabbed a PA system and said to all the people in the building to "hold on. The fire department is coming to you. Just please hold on a little longer."

   I continued to look outside, knowing that his announcement wasn't going to help. People were suffering up there. There was no way they would be able to withstand the heat and smoke any longer. I looked around the lobby and saw people making their way outside. They had managed to escape. I quickly made my way to them. "Guys, take a different exit. Don't go out that way toward the courtyard. It's very dangerous out there." I warned them. I lead them out to a safer exit.

   I walked back to the lobby after making sure they were all alright. Currently, some employees were trying to see if the elevators were working. Just as I was about to ask about any updates, I heard a ding from behind me. An elevator door opened and people walked out. They had been there since the beginning. I quickly rushed forward. "What happened? We were stuck in there for so long!" A man asked, looking at the remaining firefighters in the lobby. "The elevator just has issues, no?" A woman asked. How in the hell was I gonna tell them that we are under attack?

   I began to explain as calmly as possible. "There is something really horrible going on. Two planes have deliberately crashed in both of the towers. You guys got stuck when this tower was hit, and it was the first one to do so. You all need to get out of here as fast as you can, right now. And please be careful. Don't stop until you've reached a safe place." I explained as calmly as possible. The people looked horrified and quickly followed me as I led them out to the safe exit.

   I ran back to the lobby. "Are there any more elevators that are working?" I asked. "No. We keep checking and nothing." An employee answered. I sighed and observed everything. The lobby was a little empty. There weren't any more people coming. The only people here were only a selective few firefighters and employees. I just hope everything will be fine.

   (Every time I watch documentaries about 9/11 and I hear those sounds, my heart breaks even more. That must've been so horrible for them and for everyone who witnessed that. I can't imagine what it was like to be present there. Anyways on a positive note, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Stay tuned for another one next week).