Parallel Lives

Chapter 13: Searching - Jacob

   (Not really sadness here. There will be mentions of limbs and bodies so if you don't like that, skip this. I hope you guys will enjoy this)!

   I got to the site, and saw just how worse the damage had become. The surrounding buildings had dealt with immense damage. Their windows were blown out and were just covered in dust. The Marriott Hotel was destroyed beyond repair. WTC 7 had collapsed due to the fires caused by the debris. We had so much work to do to look for survivors. I didn't know how I got lucky with finding Dad and Angela last night.

   As I walked towards the rubble, Chief Peterson looked at me with a surprised glance. "Jacob? What are you doing here?" He asked. "I'm here to work, sir." I answered. He sighed. "Jacob, you just dealt with very traumatic losses. I think you should go home. Be with either your mom or Sabrina." Chief suggested. I shook my head. I couldn't be with them. I couldn't bear to see them in pain. Chief sighed, knowing he couldn't force me.

   "How's Sabrina?" He asked. "She's really injured. She has broken ribs and a collapsed lung. She has bruises and scrapes all over. She can't talk much and can't breathe without an oxygen mask. She had a heart attack when she got there." I explained. Chief nodded, a sad look etched on his face. "I'll visit her as soon as I can." Chief spoke. I nodded. Eventually, I walked over to the rubble.

   We were warned that if we heard whistles, to run away. The whistles meant that they were alerting us in case a building was going to collapse. Another collapse is all we fucking need. I began to dig through the rubble, just like I had been last night. I took comfort with the fact that Tommy was with me and refused to leave my side because he knew how much pain I was going through.

   As I dug, I had to step off of the pile multiple times because of me not being able to breathe. It felt as if my chest was closing up. "You ok?" Tommy asked, worriedly. "Yeah. Yeah I'm fine." I panted. I'm not usually out of breath so easily, even when I have my heavy gear and equipment on. Before, I usually teased the guys that I'm more healthier than them. By the looks of it now, I don't know if I am anymore.

   Shortly after getting back on the pile, we heard whistles. "Shit!" Tommy shouted, running off. I followed closely behind, not wanting to be caught up in a potential collapse. We made it to safety, and I was completely out of breath. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Tommy looking at me with concern. Once I was able to catch my breath, they gave us a signal to come back to the pile. "Well, thank God there's no collapse." I muttered. Tommy and a few others nodded in agreement. We walked back to the pile and continued our work.

   We were trying our hardest to look for survivors, but we couldn't find anyone. There was only one survivor we found, who was trapped for 27 hours after the collapse of the Twin Towers. I had no clue how anyone could survive that, but it gave me hope that maybe Daniel and his unit are still alive and awaiting rescue.

   A couple of times, everyone would shout out to be quiet, since they thought they heard someone. Unfortunately, it would just be a false alarm. This would continue along with the whistles. The more that occurred, the more frustrated I got. I wasn't going to find Daniel at this rate.

   I dug more and felt something soft. From my experience in finding Dad and Angela, I knew it was skin. I dug more to free whatever limb it was, hoping it was Daniel. When I was finally able to see what it was, I nearly threw up. It wasn't Daniel. It wasn't anyone from his unit. It was an arm that wasn't attached to a body. I became nauseous and almost threw up. I signaled for the paramedics to come over, and they put the arm in a bag.

   I tried to relax myself to get that arm out of my mind. I began hoping that that arm was not Daniel's. I want him to be whole. But I knew it wasn't. Daniel's skin is tan, not pale white like the arm. I felt a bit relieved, but still on edge since my best friend is still missing and we could find either his body or his limbs at any moment.

   I looked up at the sky, and saw that it was dark. I have been on my feet since 7 AM this morning. I was exhausted. "Hey Jacob, Chief said that we can leave." Tommy told me. I nodded and saw my unit leaving. I walked alongside Tommy and we met up with Chief Peterson. "What are you doing after, Jacob?" Chief asked me. "I'm gonna visit Sabrina. Do you two wanna come?" I asked. The two of them immediately nodded.

   We made our way to the hospital, and we heard the cheers of people. They were cheering for us. They held up signs and American flags, supporting us. Usually I'd smile and say thank you, but this time, I couldn't do anything happy.

   We made it to the hospital, when a doctor stopped me. "Mr. Rossi, before I tell you this, just know your sister is fine." The doctor started. My heart nearly stopped, realizing something must've happened to Sabrina when I was at the site. "What happened?" I asked, nervously.

   "Sabrina went through cardiac arrest when you left here. We think it was due to stress. We were able to save her just in time, so she's just fine now." The doctor explained. Tears brimmed at my eyes, knowing that Sabrina suffered. I felt Tommy pat my shoulder in comfort. "Can we see her?" I asked. "Yes you can." The doctor answered. I nodded, leading the way to Sabrina's room. I was not looking forward to seeing her sad.

   (Well, that was pretty bad. At least Sabrina is still alive. I hope you guys enjoyed! See you soon)!