The Tragedy

aftermath

10/09/01.

It's been a month since the attack. A month since I lost my family, a month since New York's biggest turmoil, a month since the worst day of my life...

They've already started rebuilding the Twin Towers. Of course debris and fallen pieces is still an issue, but it's slowly being resolved. Just like my shock and worry.

The school dance was cancelled, so Ally and I didn't get to go, but it's alright. I was grieving, I still am, and she was busy with family reunions and community work at the library. I moved in with her, and due to the lack of space, we are in the same bed but her dad trusts me so it's okay. Oh, Mr. Dawson also brought me back to my house to get my stuff. I believe that was the first time I've ever truly broken down in front of him, seeing all of my family's belongings, but he understood. He's been a lot more understanding lately.

Schools were out for 2 weeks after the attack. The government thought it would be best for all students to stay at home with their families whilst everything was being sorted out. I definitely needed the break.

_______

"Hello, guys! I'm glad to see you all back!" My homeroom teacher says as we all walk in at the bell. "Hi," I mumble as I sit down.

Once everyone is seated, he begins his announcement.

"Okay, so it's been a month since what happened so I want to do a little memorial, right in these 10 minutes. I want everyone to say a few things: one, their opinion on the attack and two, say something in honor of those who's lives were lost, whether you know them or not. Okay, Bailee!"

I look over to my classmate, just as she begins ranting about how stupid the attack was. "Ok, Bailee, wrap it up. We only got a few minutes," the teacher interrupts her. She does as she's told and he picks another student to go.

"Honestly, it was the scariest thing ever. Whoever has the heart to do that is sick. And I'm sad about everyone who died, but I'm happy they're in peace," a kid named David says.

"Alright. Samantha!"

"I think it was really really stupid and every one of those terrorists should be punished BIG time. The people who died were awesome and didn't deserve it," she says.

"I agree very much. Austin!"

I look up to the homeroom teacher when he says my name, then slump back in my seat.

"Coming from someone who lost their mom, dad, and brother from it...I think those terrorists deserve to go to Hell. Nobody deserves what happened to them, and my condolences go to the families of those victims," I say, twiddling with my thumbs.

"I'm sorry for your loss," the teacher, who I should probably mention that his name is Mr. Lewis, says in a concerned manner. I shrug. "It's okay.."

"Well, Drake?"

"First of all, I'm so sorry for your loss, Austin.." I turn around to face my peer and smile sadly at him. "It's okay, they're in a better place now," I say in return and face the front again. "Well that's good. And uhm...I agree with what everyone else said about the terrorist attack, and I also think that everyone who died deserved better," he ends up saying.

I nod slightly, waiting for the bell to ring. Talking about this upsets me and I really don't want to break down in front of anyone like I did a month ago...

The second everyone has gone, the bell rings. We all rush to get out of the classroom, but Mr. Lewis holds us back so we could say the pledge. So, long story short, I was a minute late to class. I explained to Ms. Carter why, though, and she let me off with a warning.